ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Scientists produce clearest-ever images of enzyme that plays key roles in aging, cancer
• Favorable one-year clinical outcomes for catheter-based aortic valve replacement with latest generation of device
• Suppression of epigenetic brain proteins induces autism-like syndrome
• Infection with two species of schistosome does not affect treatment efficacy
• Engineers create artificial skin that can send pressure sensation to brain cell
• Updated Pap smear test guidelines lead to decreased STI screening, study finds
• Alcohol and first sexual experience: Risks for young women
• New test to predict relapse of testicular cancers
• Trained medical interpreters can reduce errors in care for patients with limited English proficiency
• Stem cell treatment lessens impairments caused by dementia with Lewy bodies
• Team describes rapid, sensitive test for HIV mutations
• Sexual transmission of Ebola virus in Liberia confirmed using genomic analysis
• Sendai virus defends against a threat
• Why cancer anemia treatment leads to tumor growth
• Scientists find potential epilepsy drug
• Cancer-driving signals cause high-risk neuroblastoma
• 'Paleo' sleep? Sorry, pre-modern people don't get more Zzzzs than we do
• Animal scientists identify mutations that led to pigs that lack immune systems
• Special class of T cells shown to both attack cancer cells and enlist other immune cells
• Dreams turned off and on with a neural switch
• Shining light on orphan receptors
• Mutations driving leukemia identified
• Towards a favorable systemic radio-immunotherapy target
• When punishment doesn't fit the crime
• What's behind your thirst? Discovery advances our understanding of how our brain controls body hydration, temperature
• New avenue for combating deterioration in blood stem cells
• Scientists develop genetic blueprint of inner ear cell development
• Researchers identify a new culprit behind fibrosis
• Rare mutation may extend survival in lung cancer patients with brain metastases
• Test helps identify patients for home monitoring device for progression of age-related macular degeneration
• Mini DNA sequencer tests true
• For children with rare genetic disorder, more extensive epilepsy surgery yields better seizure control
• Researchers link organ transplant drug to rise in rare lymphoma
• Developing tools to find new generation antibiotics
• 'A bleak landscape of pain and fruitless struggle': The suffering of African refugees with psychosis
• Study reveals high rates of preventable cancers in Indigenous peoples of high-income countries
• Children with developmental delays: Are we checking their genes for answers?
• Decoding the microbial signature of aggressive form of breast cancer
• New test could help personalize treatment for common childhood cancer
• Watching movies helped improve vision in children with amblyopia
• Scientists identify proteins crucial to loss of hearing
• Gene signature may help predict survival outcomes for some children with rhabdomyosarcoma
• Laser-based imaging tool could increase accuracy, safety of brain tumor surgery
• Conversations after a serious injury help young people internalize safety values
• Bioethicist calls on researchers for more evidence-based end-of-life care programs
• What metabolism could reveal about aging and mortality
• More than one-third of perimenopausal women develop insomnia
• UK welfare cuts will have negative impact on poor children's health
• Type 2 diabetes patients find exercise more difficult, says study
• Gene facilitating repair of acutely injured kidney identified

Scientists produce clearest-ever images of enzyme that plays key roles in aging, cancer Posted: 15 Oct 2015 01:03 PM PDT The telomerase enzyme is known to play a significant role in aging and most cancers. Scientists have discovered several major new insights about this enzyme and they are now able to see the complex enzyme's sub-units in much sharper resolution than ever before.

Favorable one-year clinical outcomes for catheter-based aortic valve replacement with latest generation of device Posted: 15 Oct 2015 11:49 AM PDT Findings from the PARTNER II Trial, which examined one-year clinical outcomes among high-risk or inoperable patients who received TAVR with the latest generation of balloon-expandable (SAPIEN 3) device, are being released by researchers, suggesting that the new device offers promising outcomes for patients.

Suppression of epigenetic brain proteins induces autism-like syndrome Posted: 15 Oct 2015 11:48 AM PDT Findings of a new study reveal a key role of the BET protein family in the regulation of selected genes that control normal development and function of nerve cells.

Infection with two species of schistosome does not affect treatment efficacy Posted: 15 Oct 2015 11:48 AM PDT The parasitic disease schistosomiasis is caused by a trematode flatworm, different species of which can affect either the intestine or the urinary tract. Mixed species (co-) infections are common, and research is needed to understand exactly how infection by both urinary and intestinal parasites affects the course of infection and response to treatment.

Engineers create artificial skin that can send pressure sensation to brain cell Posted: 15 Oct 2015 11:47 AM PDT Engineers have created a plastic skin-like material that can detect pressure and deliver a Morse code-like signal directly to a living brain cell. The work takes a big step toward adding a sense of touch to prosthetic limbs.

Updated Pap smear test guidelines lead to decreased STI screening, study finds Posted: 15 Oct 2015 11:47 AM PDT Following the introduction of Cancer Care Ontario's 2012 cervical cancer screening guidelines, female patients were 50 per cent less likely to undergo screening for sexually transmitted infections, a new study has found.

Alcohol and first sexual experience: Risks for young women Posted: 15 Oct 2015 11:14 AM PDT If a young woman's first sexual experience involves alcohol, she is more likely to be at risk for problems such as sexual assault, and this risk may persist in her future, new research finds.

New test to predict relapse of testicular cancers Posted: 15 Oct 2015 11:14 AM PDT Scientists have developed a new test to identify patients who are at risk of suffering a relapse from testicular cancer. Assessing just three features of a common kind of testicular cancer -- called non-seminomatous germ cell tumor -- can identify those at most at risk of relapse even where there is no evidence of tumor spread. The researchers believe the test could be used in the clinic to make decisions about which patients should be given chemotherapy.

Trained medical interpreters can reduce errors in care for patients with limited English proficiency Posted: 15 Oct 2015 10:23 AM PDT For patients with limited English proficiency (LEP), errors in medical interpretation are common--especially when the interpreter is a family member or other untrained person, reports a new study.

Stem cell treatment lessens impairments caused by dementia with Lewy bodies Posted: 15 Oct 2015 10:21 AM PDT Neural stem cells transplanted into damaged brain sites in mice dramatically improved both motor and cognitive impairments associated with dementia with Lewy bodies, according to neurobiologists.

Team describes rapid, sensitive test for HIV mutations Posted: 15 Oct 2015 10:21 AM PDT Researchers have developed a method for detecting single nucleotide mutations directly in the RNA of HIV, including mutations that make it resistant to some drugs. In lab tests, the single-step system performed more quickly and with better sensitivity than standard technologies.

Sexual transmission of Ebola virus in Liberia confirmed using genomic analysis Posted: 15 Oct 2015 10:21 AM PDT A suspected case of sexual transmission of Ebola virus disease in Liberia was confirmed using genomic analysis, thanks to in-country laboratory capabilities. The work provides molecular evidence of Ebola virus transmission between a disease survivor and his female partner. It also demonstrates the value of real-time genomic surveillance during an outbreak.

Sendai virus defends against a threat Posted: 15 Oct 2015 10:18 AM PDT A research group demonstrated the mechanism by which the Sendai virus (SeV) escapes the host immune system. They examined the crystal structure of the complex of SeV C protein and transcription factor STAT1, and found that SeV C protein inhibits the signal transduction pathway of interferon gamma. Researchers are now trying to screen low molecular weight compounds for developing new anti-viral drugs.

Why cancer anemia treatment leads to tumor growth Posted: 15 Oct 2015 10:18 AM PDT Scientists have shown why a drug widely used to treat chemotherapy-induced anemia in ovarian and breast cancer patients also may shorten survival times in some patients by inadvertently stimulating tumor growth.

Scientists find potential epilepsy drug Posted: 15 Oct 2015 10:18 AM PDT A potential new class of drugs has been discovered in mice studies that may prevent the development of temporal lobe epilepsy, one of the most common and devastating forms of epilepsy.

Cancer-driving signals cause high-risk neuroblastoma Posted: 15 Oct 2015 10:18 AM PDT Researchers have discovered details of the abnormal molecular signals and biological events that drive a high-risk form of the childhood cancer neuroblastoma. Having investigated a signaling network involving three cancer-causing genes, the scientists aim to use these findings to develop more effective targeted treatments.

'Paleo' sleep? Sorry, pre-modern people don't get more Zzzzs than we do Posted: 15 Oct 2015 10:18 AM PDT It's tempting to believe that people these days aren't getting enough sleep, living as we do in our well-lit houses with TVs blaring, cell phones buzzing, and a well-used coffee maker in every kitchen. But new evidence shows that three ancient groups of hunter-gatherers -- living in different parts of the world without any of those trappings of modern life -- don't get any more sleep than we do.

Animal scientists identify mutations that led to pigs that lack immune systems Posted: 15 Oct 2015 09:03 AM PDT Animal science researchers have identified a pair of genetic mutations that cause immune deficiencies in pigs that make them uniquely good models for testing potential medical therapies for people. The work advances previous research on pigs with severe combined immunodeficiency.

Special class of T cells shown to both attack cancer cells and enlist other immune cells Posted: 15 Oct 2015 09:03 AM PDT New insights about a subset of T cells has been shared by researchers, that suggest that they appear to both inhibit cancer growth and enhance the tumor-killing powers of other immune cells.

Dreams turned off and on with a neural switch Posted: 15 Oct 2015 09:01 AM PDT In dream or REM sleep, brain activity is more like awake than non-REM activity, and muscles are paralyzed. Various regions of the brain affect REM sleep, but neuroscientists have found a group of neurons in the medulla that seem to play a key role. Activating them makes mice go immediately into REM sleep, while inactivating them abolishes it. REM control could be useful for researchers studying the function of sleep in animals.

Shining light on orphan receptors Posted: 15 Oct 2015 09:00 AM PDT Light has been used for the first time to activate a receptor for which the compound binding and controlling it naturally is unknown, researchers suggests. A team of scientists has now employed its novel application of optogenetics to identify a new compound that inhibits the orphan receptor ROS1, which has been linked to several forms of cancer.

Mutations driving leukemia identified Posted: 15 Oct 2015 08:57 AM PDT An international team of scientists has identified novel genes associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia through the analysis of high-throughput sequencing data.

Towards a favorable systemic radio-immunotherapy target Posted: 15 Oct 2015 08:57 AM PDT Survival probability of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) has improved significantly over the past two decades. Monoclonal antibodies against targeted proteins on Reed-Sternberg cells in HL though a popular choice for immunotherapy have yet to demonstrate complete responses. In a new study, researchers have considered the ripple effects of 90Y-daclizumab, a drug which targets CD25+ tumor cells in Hodgkin's Lymphoma during radio-immunotherapy. The results demonstrated 30.4 percent complete and 19.6 percent partial responses in HL patients.

When punishment doesn't fit the crime Posted: 15 Oct 2015 08:57 AM PDT People with traumatic brain injuries -- such as those incurred from violent accidents or combat -- are more prone to misjudge when faced with situations involving dispute or requiring discipline, new research indicates.

What's behind your thirst? Discovery advances our understanding of how our brain controls body hydration, temperature Posted: 15 Oct 2015 08:57 AM PDT Scientists have made a breakthrough that advances our understanding of how the brain detects and prevents dehydration. The findings could have important clinical implications, as the key protein they discovered could be a target for the development of treatments and diagnostic tests for many health problems associated with the imbalance of bodily fluids.

New avenue for combating deterioration in blood stem cells Posted: 15 Oct 2015 08:57 AM PDT Using mouse embryos, researchers have replicated the deterioration with aging of blood stem cells, particularly red blood cells, and were able to alleviate the fetal anemia suffered by the mouse embryos and prevent death in 40 percent of the cases. This is a first step towards the development of potential treatments for anemia caused by a deficient activity of these stem cells, such as the aplastic anemia in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Scientists develop genetic blueprint of inner ear cell development Posted: 15 Oct 2015 08:48 AM PDT Using a sensitive new technology called single-cell RNA-seq on cells from mice, scientists have created the first high-resolution gene expression map of the newborn mouse inner ear. The findings provide new insight into how epithelial cells in the inner ear develop and differentiate into specialized cells that serve critical functions for hearing and maintaining balance.

Researchers identify a new culprit behind fibrosis Posted: 15 Oct 2015 08:48 AM PDT A new molecule has been identified by researchers that involves skin fibrosis, a life-threatening disease characterized by the inflammation and hardening of skin tissue. The new study is the first to investigate the role of this molecule in skin fibrosis and paves the way toward new and improved therapies for the disease.

Rare mutation may extend survival in lung cancer patients with brain metastases Posted: 15 Oct 2015 08:48 AM PDT Most patients with non-small cell lung cancer that has metastasized to the brain have a dire prognosis. But researchers have identified a subset of those patients with a rare genetic mutation who are living significantly longer than patients without the mutation.

Test helps identify patients for home monitoring device for progression of age-related macular degeneration Posted: 15 Oct 2015 08:47 AM PDT Use of a qualification test within a retinal practice appeared to be effective in predicting which patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration would be good candidates to initiate use of a home monitoring device for progression to more severe AMD, according to a study.

Mini DNA sequencer tests true Posted: 15 Oct 2015 07:42 AM PDT Public access to Oxford Nanopore's MinION™ miniature sensing device has enabled an international consortium to evaluate the technology and provide a standard protocol for its use. Preliminary analysis of data generated in five very different laboratories indicates the performance and accuracy of the device is consistently good. Data are freely available for re-analysis and innovation in the Nanopore analysis channel on F1000Research.

For children with rare genetic disorder, more extensive epilepsy surgery yields better seizure control Posted: 15 Oct 2015 07:42 AM PDT Children with the genetic disorder tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) often need epilepsy surgery for severe, uncontrollable seizures. A new study finds that seizure control is improved for patients undergoing more extensive surgery.

Researchers link organ transplant drug to rise in rare lymphoma Posted: 15 Oct 2015 05:46 AM PDT The immunosuppressive drug mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been linked by a researcher to an increased risk of central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma in solid organ transplant patients, suggests a new report.

Developing tools to find new generation antibiotics Posted: 15 Oct 2015 05:45 AM PDT Scientists have taken an important step in the search to find new antibiotics that are effective against resistant bacteria. The work, scientists say, will provide new tools for creating stable genetically engineered strains which could lead to improvements to existing antibiotics and the development of new ones.

'A bleak landscape of pain and fruitless struggle': The suffering of African refugees with psychosis Posted: 15 Oct 2015 05:45 AM PDT With Europe's migrant crisis showing no sign of ending, ground-breaking new research explores the harrowing experiences of refugees diagnosed with psychosis.

Study reveals high rates of preventable cancers in Indigenous peoples of high-income countries Posted: 15 Oct 2015 05:34 AM PDT New research highlights the scale and profile of cancer in indigenous peoples of the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, revealing high rates of often preventable cancers including lung and cervical cancer, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention strategies in these populations.

Children with developmental delays: Are we checking their genes for answers? Posted: 15 Oct 2015 05:34 AM PDT Few doctors would order genetic testing or refer a child to a genetics specialist as a first step when they see children with developmental delays, report researchers.

Decoding the microbial signature of aggressive form of breast cancer Posted: 15 Oct 2015 05:34 AM PDT Researchers have identified, for the first time, an association between two microbial signatures and triple negative breast cancer, the most aggressive form of the disease.

New test could help personalize treatment for common childhood cancer Posted: 15 Oct 2015 05:34 AM PDT A new gene test can identify which patients are likely to suffer more aggressive forms of the childhood cancer rhabdomyosarcoma, new research reports. Examining the activity of only five genes in a sample of the tumor was enough to identify high-risk children who might benefit from more intensive treatment or from new therapies in clinical trials.

Watching movies helped improve vision in children with amblyopia Posted: 15 Oct 2015 05:34 AM PDT The concept of binocular dysfunction, in which the brain suppresses the image from the weaker eye in favor of the stronger eye, has motivated new approaches to amblyopia treatment. Researchers describe how the use of dichoptic therapy, which presents different images to each eye separately, combined with popular children's movies, has produced improved visual acuity in young children.

Scientists identify proteins crucial to loss of hearing Posted: 15 Oct 2015 05:34 AM PDT Right now, there is no way to reverse hearing loss, largely because auditory hair cells, which sense sound and relay that information to the brain, do not regenerate. A new study, however, has found a key clue to how these hair cells develop. The study identified a new role for a particular group of proteins in the development and survival of the hair cells.

Gene signature may help predict survival outcomes for some children with rhabdomyosarcoma Posted: 15 Oct 2015 05:34 AM PDT Among children with intermediate-risk rhabdomyosarcoma that is negative for a fusion gene, those who had a high score of a specific gene signature called MG5 had poorer survival outcomes compared with those who had a low score of MG5, report researchers.

Laser-based imaging tool could increase accuracy, safety of brain tumor surgery Posted: 14 Oct 2015 05:45 PM PDT Researchers are testing technology that gives brain surgeons real-time microscopic vision of tumors, potentially allowing the surgical decision-making process to become data driven, instead of subjective "best guesses," say authors of a new report.

Conversations after a serious injury help young people internalize safety values Posted: 14 Oct 2015 05:45 PM PDT A new study finds conversations parents have with their children after a serious injury help young people internalize safety values, a process similar to how a child develops a conscience.

Bioethicist calls on researchers for more evidence-based end-of-life care programs Posted: 14 Oct 2015 05:39 PM PDT Although the public and private sectors are currently engaged in an unprecedented array of efforts to improve end-of-life care, too many of these programs are not evidence-based, says one expert. Investigators and research sponsors must be more involved to 'identify, develop and rigorously test interventions so they can offer guidance' on implementing programs that work among the terminally ill, he says.

What metabolism could reveal about aging and mortality Posted: 14 Oct 2015 09:11 AM PDT Why some people live much longer than others is an enduring mystery. Now, based on a study of a worm, scientists are getting one step closer to understanding longevity. They report that the metabolic profiles of the worms could accurately predict how long they would live and that middle age could be a key turning point.

More than one-third of perimenopausal women develop insomnia Posted: 14 Oct 2015 07:59 AM PDT Millions of women may be sleep-deprived. It's already a known fact that women are more predisposed to insomnia. Now a new study suggests that perimenopausal women have an even greater risk for developing insomnia. Considering that perimenopause will affect roughly 500 million women within the next decade, that's a lot of tired women.

UK welfare cuts will have negative impact on poor children's health Posted: 14 Oct 2015 07:58 AM PDT Proposed UK government welfare changes have serious implications for child health, suggests a new study. The analysis shows that lone parents and families with children who depend on welfare support will see their income substantially reduced, whereas pensioners and workers without children are the clear beneficiaries.

Type 2 diabetes patients find exercise more difficult, says study Posted: 14 Oct 2015 07:58 AM PDT Women with type 2 diabetes experience a barrier to physical activity that threatens to make them more sedentary and cause their health to worsen, according to a new study.

Gene facilitating repair of acutely injured kidney identified Posted: 14 Oct 2015 07:58 AM PDT In the kidney, injured cells can be kicked into reparative mode by a gene called Sox9, according to a new paper. Sox9 also plays a key role in the normal development of the kidney, the authors add.

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