ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• 2-million-year-old fossils reveal hearing abilities of early humans
• Study adds to evidence that viruses are alive
• Scientists discover new system for human genome editing
• Deep-diving whales could hold answer for synthetic blood
• What powers the pumping heart?
• Dried plums can reduce risk of colon cancer, research shows
• Tick spit protein may trigger allergic reactions
• Developing new omics-based diagnostic tools to better manage yeast infections in humans
• Medicaid study uncovers rise in costly ER visits due to possible gaps in postpartum care
• When paired with coinfection, social isolation might fuel rather than foil epidemics
• Tumor necrosis factor in colitis: Bad actor or hero?
• Study comparing of crash risk of EU and US motor-vehicles indicates differences in performance
• Reproducible neuroscience with real tango Consonant results resonate in the brain
• Humans, monkeys affected by the same malaria parasite in the Amazon region
• Scientists publish first complete record of genetic mutations behind rare vascular disease
• Diabetes medication could be used to treat alcohol dependence
• Analysis of blood parameters helps to establish prognosis for patients with brain metastases
• Identification of a novel protein that protects against bowel inflammation
• Mutated gene found in families with multiple tumors, including cardiac angiosarcoma
• Chip-based technology enables reliable direct detection of Ebola virus
• Breaking the anxiety cycle
• Information handling by some health apps not as secure as it should be
• Fungi may lead to cheaper cancer treatment, study suggests
• MS researchers correlate Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis, performance of everyday life activities
• Hope against disease targeting children
• Kenyan journalists covering life-threatening events at increased risk of psychological harm
• New treatment may help overcome common pregnancy-related complication
• Overweight health bloggers perceived as less reliable
• Sticky gel helps stem cells heal rat hearts
• Rapidly assessing the next influenza pandemic
• Gene expression studies reveal drug combination effective against schistosomiasis
• Parasite that causes lymphatic filariasis releases vesicles containing microRNA that may control host
• Maternal malaria during pregnancy causes cognitive defects in the offspring
• A potential role for fat tissue as an HIV reservoir and source of chronic inflammation
• Tiny mitochondria play outsized role in human evolution and disease
• What constitutes good treatment of tennis elbow?

2-million-year-old fossils reveal hearing abilities of early humans Posted: 25 Sep 2015 11:27 AM PDT Research into human fossils dating back to approximately two million years ago reveals that the hearing pattern resembles chimpanzees, but with some slight differences in the direction of humans.

Study adds to evidence that viruses are alive Posted: 25 Sep 2015 11:26 AM PDT A new analysis supports the hypothesis that viruses are living entities that share a long evolutionary history with cells. A new study offers the first reliable method for tracing viral evolution back to a time when neither viruses nor cells existed in the forms recognized today, the researchers say.

Scientists discover new system for human genome editing Posted: 25 Sep 2015 10:15 AM PDT A team including the scientist who first harnessed the revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 system for mammalian genome editing has now identified a different CRISPR system with the potential for even simpler and more precise genome engineering.

Deep-diving whales could hold answer for synthetic blood Posted: 25 Sep 2015 10:14 AM PDT The ultra-stable properties of the proteins that allow deep-diving whales to remain active while holding their breath for up to two hours could help biochemists and other researchers finish a 20-year quest to create lifesaving synthetic blood for human trauma patients.

What powers the pumping heart? Posted: 25 Sep 2015 10:14 AM PDT A treasure trove of proteins has been discovered, which researchers say hold answers about how our heart pumps -- a phenomenon known as contractility. These molecules haven't been studied in the heart and little is known about what they do in other tissues, the investigators say.

Dried plums can reduce risk of colon cancer, research shows Posted: 25 Sep 2015 10:14 AM PDT A diet containing dried plums can positively affect microbiota, also referred to as gut bacteria, throughout the colon, helping reduce the risk of colon cancer, researchers report.

Tick spit protein may trigger allergic reactions Posted: 25 Sep 2015 10:14 AM PDT Ticks have had millions of years to figure out how to bite without triggering their victims' immune response. Proteins in the arachnids' spit evolved to manipulate immune cells so that the bloodsuckers can suck blood and transmit pathogens in peace. But these measures may not always have the desired effect when ticks bite humans, leading to severe allergic reactions, argue infectious disease specialists.

Developing new omics-based diagnostic tools to better manage yeast infections in humans Posted: 25 Sep 2015 09:57 AM PDT Yeasts are unicellular microorganisms classified within the Fungi kingdom. They are well known for their use in baking, winemaking and beer brewing fermentation, but some species of yeast are opportunistic pathogens that can cause infections in humans. Yeast infections are poorly understood, difficult to diagnose, and are becoming increasingly frequent and serious, affecting over 300 million people worldwide, investigators say, adding that fungal infections kill as many people as Malaria does every year. New research is looking to resolve this problem.

Medicaid study uncovers rise in costly ER visits due to possible gaps in postpartum care Posted: 25 Sep 2015 06:00 AM PDT Citing an analysis of more than 26,000 Maryland Medicaid claims, researchers report evidence that poor women with recent complications during their pregnancies are using the emergency room (ER) at higher rates after delivery and may not be getting the postpartum care and follow-up they need to prevent further health problems.

When paired with coinfection, social isolation might fuel rather than foil epidemics Posted: 25 Sep 2015 05:59 AM PDT When social isolation and coinfection occur together, diseases can spread faster and further than with either effect alone, new research shows. At the heart of the new study are two effects that have gained a lot of attention in recent years -- social clustering and coinfection -- but haven't been studied together. That, the authors say, turns out to be a major omission.

Tumor necrosis factor in colitis: Bad actor or hero? Posted: 25 Sep 2015 05:59 AM PDT A common therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may actually protect against intestinal inflammation by inhibiting pathogenic T-cells, investigators report.

Study comparing of crash risk of EU and US motor-vehicles indicates differences in performance Posted: 25 Sep 2015 05:58 AM PDT An international research study examined the hypotheses that vehicles meeting EU safety standards perform similarly to US-regulated vehicles in the US driving environment, and vice versa. The methodology is innovative and "first of its kind", and the study indicates differences in performance between EU and US motor-vehicles.

Reproducible neuroscience with real tango Consonant results resonate in the brain Posted: 25 Sep 2015 05:58 AM PDT Most neuroscientific studies rely on a single experiment and assume their findings to be reliable. However, the validity of this assumption needs to be tested before accepting the findings as the ground truth. Indeed, the lack of replication studies in addition to the inconsistency of neuroimaging findings severely limits the advancement of knowledge in the field of neuroscience, all of which has recently become a hot topic within the neuroscientific community.

Humans, monkeys affected by the same malaria parasite in the Amazon region Posted: 25 Sep 2015 05:57 AM PDT Two types of parasites are actually one with several host species, researchers have discovered. This finding has consequences for the global battle against the disease, the scientists say.

Scientists publish first complete record of genetic mutations behind rare vascular disease Posted: 25 Sep 2015 05:57 AM PDT The genetic architecture of a debilitating and potentially fatal vascular disease has for the first time been detailed in its entirety, providing clinicians with the comprehensive data needed to improve diagnosis and deliver more personalized patient care.

Diabetes medication could be used to treat alcohol dependence Posted: 25 Sep 2015 05:55 AM PDT A medication used for diabetes and obesity also could be a valuable tool for the treatment of alcohol dependence, a new study on mice and rats shows.

Analysis of blood parameters helps to establish prognosis for patients with brain metastases Posted: 25 Sep 2015 05:55 AM PDT Certain laboratory results, which have previously not been used specifically for this purpose, can help to predict survival in patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases and to decide on the most appropriate treatment strategy, new research suggests.

Identification of a novel protein that protects against bowel inflammation Posted: 25 Sep 2015 05:55 AM PDT The role of stomach a cancer–associated protein has been revealed in the pathogenesis and prevention of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory bowel disorders. These findings are expected to accelerate the development of targeted therapies for inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.

Mutated gene found in families with multiple tumors, including cardiac angiosarcoma Posted: 25 Sep 2015 05:53 AM PDT The mutation found in the POT1 gene causes a rare hereditary syndrome in which patients present multiple tumors, including cardiac angiosarcoma (CAS). It is now possible to identify carriers and intervene early. Currently, familial CAS patients have a poor chance of survival because the tumor is diagnosed when it is in an advanced phase.

Chip-based technology enables reliable direct detection of Ebola virus Posted: 25 Sep 2015 05:53 AM PDT Chip-based technology has been enhanced to provide reliable detection of Ebola virus and other viral pathogens. The system uses direct optical detection of viral molecules and can be integrated into a simple, portable instrument for use in field situations where rapid, accurate detection of Ebola infections is needed to control outbreaks.

Breaking the anxiety cycle Posted: 25 Sep 2015 05:53 AM PDT Children of anxious parents are at increased risk for developing the disorder. Yet that does not need to be the case, according to new research. Researchers tested a one-year therapy intervention in 136 families. The study found family-based intervention works.

Information handling by some health apps not as secure as it should be Posted: 24 Sep 2015 06:40 PM PDT Some health apps that have been clinically accredited may not have been complying with principles of data protection, according to research. In some instances health apps were found to be sending unencrypted personal and health information, which means users of these apps may have had their privacy put at risk.

Fungi may lead to cheaper cancer treatment, study suggests Posted: 24 Sep 2015 03:49 PM PDT Cheaper anti-cancer drugs for humans might ultimately stem from a new study. Scientists have developed a kind of microbial 'bandage' that protects yew trees from disease-causing fungi. The researchers found that naturally occurring fungi in the yew's vascular system act like an immune system to swarm a wound site and protect against invading pathogens.

MS researchers correlate Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis, performance of everyday life activities Posted: 24 Sep 2015 03:49 PM PDT Scientists found that the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis predicted performance of activities of daily living using Actual Reality. There are implications for clinicians in a broad range of settings, especially those with limited access to neuropsychological consultation.

Hope against disease targeting children Posted: 24 Sep 2015 03:49 PM PDT A research team has uncovered molecular changes that explain, at least in part, why motor neurons rather than others are affected by the illness. Unlike ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, which tend to manifest later in life, SMA strikes infants. Unlike ALS, SMA is a genetic disorder that causes a range of outcomes, with the milder form leaving some children confined to wheelchairs, and the more severe form causing paralysis and death before the second birthday.

Kenyan journalists covering life-threatening events at increased risk of psychological harm Posted: 24 Sep 2015 03:49 PM PDT The first major study of the emotional well-being of journalists covering violent events in an African country replicates findings from Western media, namely that journalists who report on life-threatening events are at increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.

New treatment may help overcome common pregnancy-related complication Posted: 24 Sep 2015 03:49 PM PDT In pregnant women with preeclampsia, a procedure used to remove a protein called sFlt-1 from the blood reduced the amount of protein excreted in the urine and stabilized blood pressure. Pregnancy continued an average of eight days and 15 days in women treated once and multiple times, respectively, compared with three days in untreated women with preeclampsia.

Overweight health bloggers perceived as less reliable Posted: 24 Sep 2015 01:29 PM PDT A blogger's weight affects her or his credibility with readers seeking food advice, according to a study. The study revealed that when a blogger is overweight, as shown in the blogger's photo, readers are far more skeptical of the information that blogger provides when compared with a thin blogger's recommendations, even when the content is exactly the same.

Sticky gel helps stem cells heal rat hearts Posted: 24 Sep 2015 01:29 PM PDT A sticky, protein-rich gel appears to help stem cells stay on or in rat hearts and restore their metabolism after transplantation, improving cardiac function after simulated heart attacks, according to results of a new study.

Rapidly assessing the next influenza pandemic Posted: 24 Sep 2015 12:15 PM PDT Influenza pandemics are potentially the most serious natural catastrophes that affect the human population. New findings suggest that with both timely and accurate data and sophisticated numerical models, the likely impact of a new pandemic can be assessed quickly, and key decisions made about potential mitigation strategies.

Gene expression studies reveal drug combination effective against schistosomiasis Posted: 24 Sep 2015 12:13 PM PDT Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms endemic in parts of Africa, Southeast Asia and Central and South America. It is currently treated by the drug praziquantel which, while both effective and cost efficient, does not prevent reinfection after the disease has cleared.

Parasite that causes lymphatic filariasis releases vesicles containing microRNA that may control host Posted: 24 Sep 2015 12:13 PM PDT Lymphatic Filariasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by three different species of parasitic worm, which are spread between human hosts by mosquitos. The molecular interactions between the worm, mosquito and human are dynamic and delicately balanced, meaning that disrupting these interactions might be an avenue for the development new therapeutic treatments.

Maternal malaria during pregnancy causes cognitive defects in the offspring Posted: 24 Sep 2015 12:13 PM PDT Over half of all pregnant women world-wide are at risk for malaria, but little is known about possible consequences for the neurodevelopment of children exposed to malaria in pregnancy. A new study reports a causal link between prenatal exposure to malaria and subsequent neurocognitive impairment in offspring in a mouse model of experimental malaria in pregnancy. The research also identifies some of the molecular mechanisms involved.

A potential role for fat tissue as an HIV reservoir and source of chronic inflammation Posted: 24 Sep 2015 12:13 PM PDT Viral persistence and chronic inflammation are two key features of HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy. A new study reports results from macaques and humans that suggest an important role for adipose (fat) tissue as an HIV reservoir with inflammatory potential.

Tiny mitochondria play outsized role in human evolution and disease Posted: 24 Sep 2015 09:44 AM PDT Mitochondria are not only the power plants of our cells; these tiny structures also play a central role in our physiology. By enabling flexible responses to new environments, mitochondria have helped humans adapt and evolve.

What constitutes good treatment of tennis elbow? Posted: 24 Sep 2015 08:25 AM PDT What is the best treatment for acute tennis elbow? Physiotherapy? Cortisone? A combination? Or might you just as well forego treatment?

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