ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Exercise in a bottle could become a reality
• Late bedtimes could lead to weight gain
• Study finds gaps in clinical genetic counseling services for women undergoing BRCA testing
• Motivation promotes recovery after spinal cord injury: Neuroscientific evidence
• A natural history of neurons
• Deworming shows growth similar to placebo in pre-school children in Peru
• New dietary guidelines must be sustainable, regardless of politics
• Elabela identified as potential hormone for regenerative medicine
• Look inside your heart
• Removing genes without a trace
• The solution to a 50-year-old riddle: Why certain cells repel one another
• A snapshot of stem cell expression
• Preclinical drug developed to prevent gastrointestinal side effects of type 1 diabetes
• Molecular switch keeps circadian clock running on time
• Colds, flu may temporarily increase stroke risk in kids
• Divorcing drugs and violence is key to saving U.S. drug policy, research shows
• Children with severe obesity may be at higher risk for heart disease and diabetes
• Exposure to toxic chemicals threatening human reproduction and health
• Breakthrough in understanding sugar uptake
• Proteins from rice: raw materials instead of waste
• Search engine for more accurate, fast recognition of metabolites
• Smart walkers for elderly with new technology
• Collaborative behaviours, traditional practices
• New formula for life-satisfaction
• Infrared thermography can detect joint inflammation and help improving work ergonomics
• Real-time analysis of metabolic products
• Latest technology could help curb repeat Ebola crisis, experts say
• Doctors trained to be confidantes for risk-taking teenagers
• Dormant viral genes may awaken to cause ALS
• Finding links and missing genes: Catalog of large-scale genetic changes around the world
• Genes that protect African children from developing malaria identified
• The flaws of HIV
• Proof-of-concept for low-cost drug made in lettuce
• Swap the couch for a walk to avoid an early death
• Human tumor 'avatars' reveal new genetic sources of drug response in late-stage colorectal cancer therapy
• Insight on how a new class of antidepressants works
• Study's message to recovering alcoholics: Quit smoking to stay sober

Exercise in a bottle could become a reality Posted: 01 Oct 2015 07:22 PM PDT Research finds around 1000 molecular reactions to exercise, opening the door for drug treatments to mirror the health benefits of exercise.

Late bedtimes could lead to weight gain Posted: 01 Oct 2015 05:49 PM PDT Teenagers and adults who go to bed late on weeknights are more likely to gain weight than their peers who hit the hay earlier, according to a study that has found a correlation between sleep and body mass index.

Study finds gaps in clinical genetic counseling services for women undergoing BRCA testing Posted: 01 Oct 2015 01:50 PM PDT Medical researchers have published results from a national study identifying factors and outcomes associated with the use of genetic counseling and testing services for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in the community setting. The work indicates a significant opportunity to increase genetic counseling in community care.

Motivation promotes recovery after spinal cord injury: Neuroscientific evidence Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:39 PM PDT The nucleus accumbens, that control motivation in the brain, activates the activity of the motor cortex of the brain, and then promotes recovery of motor function during the early stage of recovery after spinal cord injury, new research shows.

A natural history of neurons Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:39 PM PDT Our brain cells have different genomes from one another. The study shows for the first time that mutations in somatic cells -- that is, any cell in the body except sperm and eggs -- are present in significant numbers in the brains of healthy people. These mutations appear to occur more often in the genes a neuron uses most. Patterns of mutation allow researchers to trace brain cell lineages.

Deworming shows growth similar to placebo in pre-school children in Peru Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:39 PM PDT The three intestinal worms roundworm (Ascaris), whipworm (Trichuris) and hookworm, cause infections and diseases that are among the most common neglected tropical diseases in the developing world. Researchers recently set up a large-scale randomised controlled trial of 12 and 13-month-old children attending health centres in Iquitos, Peru.

New dietary guidelines must be sustainable, regardless of politics Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:30 PM PDT The new iteration of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans must incorporate sustainability considerations -- both for the health and wellbeing of Americans and the world in which we live, urges a new article.

Elabela identified as potential hormone for regenerative medicine Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:11 PM PDT A hormone is found to be critical in promoting growth of human embryonic stem cells, paving the way for improved regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies.

Look inside your heart Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:11 PM PDT Quantifying the damage caused to specific parts of the heart by cardiac arrest is key to providing effective treatment and accurate prognoses for millions of people worldwide. Now, researchers have developed a computational method that uses magnetic resonance imaging data to assess the extent of damage to the left ventricle, the heart's powerhouse.

Removing genes without a trace Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:11 PM PDT Genes may now be deleted without creating a scar in certain strains of Escherichia coli and other microorganisms, thanks to new research. The technique makes it easier to string together several genetic engineering steps without interference caused by a deletion scar.

The solution to a 50-year-old riddle: Why certain cells repel one another Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:58 AM PDT When cells from the connective tissue collide, they repel one another -- this phenomenon was discovered more than 50 years ago. It is only now, however, that researchers have discovered the molecular basis for this process. Their findings could have important implications for cancer research.

A snapshot of stem cell expression Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:58 AM PDT A new study reveals new genes involved in pluripotency, new subpopulations of cells and new methods to find meaning in the data. The findings have implications for the study of early development.

Preclinical drug developed to prevent gastrointestinal side effects of type 1 diabetes Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:56 AM PDT Up to 80 percent of individuals living with long-term type 1 diabetes experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal distension, irritable bowel syndrome, and fecal incontinence. A study reveals why these symptoms arise and tests an investigational drug in mice that could prevent them from developing.

Molecular switch keeps circadian clock running on time Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:56 AM PDT Circadian rhythms help everything from plants to humans coordinate with the daily light-dark cycle, but how this natural clock keeps accurate time, or why it goes awry in people with sleep disorders, is still under investigation. New findings suggest that a molecular switch balances the activity of two key proteins that keep the central timepiece of the clock -- the daily accumulation and degradation of the PER2 protein -- on schedule.

Colds, flu may temporarily increase stroke risk in kids Posted: 01 Oct 2015 07:05 AM PDT Stroke is very rare in children, but colds, flu and other minor infections may temporarily increase stroke risk in children, according to a study. The study also found routine childhood vaccines may decrease the risk of stroke.

Divorcing drugs and violence is key to saving U.S. drug policy, research shows Posted: 01 Oct 2015 07:04 AM PDT New research is being used in public policy discussions surrounding changes to mandatory minimum sentences involving nonviolent drug offenders through the Smarter Sentencing Act.

Children with severe obesity may be at higher risk for heart disease and diabetes Posted: 01 Oct 2015 07:04 AM PDT A direct correlation has been found between more severe forms of obesity in children and related risk factors for developing heart disease and diabetes--particularly in boys. It is estimated that there are more than 3 million children in the United States who are severely obese.

Exposure to toxic chemicals threatening human reproduction and health Posted: 01 Oct 2015 07:00 AM PDT Dramatic increases in exposure to toxic chemicals in the last four decades are threatening human reproduction and health, according to experts. Exposure to toxic environmental chemicals is linked to millions of deaths and costs billions of dollars every year, according to the authors.

Breakthrough in understanding sugar uptake Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:58 AM PDT Researchers have reached a breakthrough in understanding how fructose is transported into our cells. This could be a potential benefit for the development of novel treatments against some forms of cancer, obesity and diabetes.

Proteins from rice: raw materials instead of waste Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:58 AM PDT Proteins remain after starch is extracted from rice. Until now, this valuable raw material was disposed of by rice starch producers at great expense. A new process is being developed to split proteins into smaller pieces, or peptides, and then clean them. The peptides can be put to good use in products such as cosmetics or nutritional supplements.

Search engine for more accurate, fast recognition of metabolites Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:55 AM PDT Metabolites are small molecules, such as sugars, fatty acids and amino acids that, among other things, serve as sources of energy in the cells and as building materials for cell walls. For researchers they are, as it were, traces of the functioning and status of cells. Now researchers have created a search engine that improves their recognition. This provides potential applications including anti-doping work, drug control by Customs and crime scene investigation.

Smart walkers for elderly with new technology Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:54 AM PDT Researchers have developed a smart walker prototype that supports independent living among the elderly by making the traditional walker smart. They have retrofitted it with sensors and digital software that analyze user's physical condition and daily activities. This allows the device to collect useful information on user's daily rhythm, walking distances, duration and speed of walking, in addition to hand grip strength. Such information can then be used to monitor user's wellbeing and physical condition, the group says.

Collaborative behaviours, traditional practices Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:54 AM PDT A new report on information practices in the physical sciences has been released by researchers. While cross-border and cross-disciplinary collaborations are breaking down subject siloes across the physical sciences, a culture of traditional and DIY information practices still holds sway among scientists when it comes to the curation, management and publication of formal research findings, the authors say.

New formula for life-satisfaction Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:54 AM PDT In a new study, a mathematical economist has demonstrated a connection between long-term income increases and personal satisfaction. Overtime also affects personal levels of happiness -- but in a negative way, he says.

Infrared thermography can detect joint inflammation and help improving work ergonomics Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:53 AM PDT Infrared thermography can help detect joint inflammation and help improving work ergonomics, according to a recent study. All objects with a temperature above absolute zero emit infrared radiation as a result of the thermal motion of their molecules. Infrared thermography (IRT) is an imaging modality that can be used to detect this thermal radiation. Human skin emits infrared radiation almost like a perfect black body, and IRT is thus well suited for the measurement of skin temperature. However, although the human core temperature may be indicative of several bodily dysfunctions, there is still a lack of scientific evidence about which musculoskeletal diseases or conditions can be diagnosed by evaluating skin surface temperature with IRT. Nonetheless, since it is a non-invasive and straightforward technique, IRT may represent a cost-effective alternative to the more traditional imaging modalities.

Real-time analysis of metabolic products Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:48 AM PDT A method that, for the first time, makes it possible to measure concentration changes of several hundred metabolic products simultaneously and almost in real time has been developed by researchers. The technique could inspire basic biological research and the search for new pharmaceutical agents.

Latest technology could help curb repeat Ebola crisis, experts say Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:47 AM PDT Recent developments in surveillance technology could enable a swifter, more effective response to potentially deadly outbreaks of disease, and technology could help improve the response, a study has found.

Doctors trained to be confidantes for risk-taking teenagers Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:47 AM PDT Doctors have successfully reduced risk-taking behavior in teenagers and young people, in a world-first trial, say authors of a new report. The researchers recommend trainee doctors should be taught how to have difficult conversations with young people, and are currently working on an online screening tool to streamline the process.

Dormant viral genes may awaken to cause ALS Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:47 AM PDT Scientists have discovered that reactivation of ancient viral genes embedded in the human genome may cause the destruction of neurons in some forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The results suggest a link between human endogenous retroviral genes (HERVs) and ALS and raise the question of whether antiretroviral drugs, similar to those used for suppressing HIV, may help some ALS patients.

Finding links and missing genes: Catalog of large-scale genetic changes around the world Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:47 AM PDT Missing a gene may be less problematic than you'd think. This is one of the conclusions that emerge from the most extensive catalog of changes in large sections of a person's DNA sequence to date. This reference catalog of structural variations across the globe will help guide future studies of genetics, evolution and disease.

Genes that protect African children from developing malaria identified Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:47 AM PDT Variations in DNA at a specific location (or 'locus') on the genome that protect African children from developing severe malaria, in some cases nearly halving a child's chance of developing the life-threatening disease, have been identified in the largest genetic association study of malaria to date.

The flaws of HIV Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:47 AM PDT Though research carried out over the past 30 years has helped to understand most of HIV virus biology, its infectious process still contains grey areas. One of these has to do with the exact role played by Nef, an HIV accessorye protein, during infection. Researchers have deciphered an important flaw in the virus arsenal of attack by identifying the SERINC5 protein.

Proof-of-concept for low-cost drug made in lettuce Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:43 AM PDT Scientists have used a plant-based system to make shelf-stable drugs. The researchers confirmed the viability of their method for FDA approval and human use, producing an effective drug that promotes tolerance to clotting factors, which could be taken by hemophilia patients, using freeze-dried lettuce leaves.

Swap the couch for a walk to avoid an early death Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:43 AM PDT Swapping just one hour of sitting with walking or other physical activity each day decreases your chance of an early death by 12 to 14 percent, according to a University of Sydney study of over 200,000 Australians.

Human tumor 'avatars' reveal new genetic sources of drug response in late-stage colorectal cancer therapy Posted: 30 Sep 2015 11:13 AM PDT Using pieces of human tumors grafted into mice, a team of researchers has identified new mutations in six genes related to drug resistance and sensitivity in late-stage colorectal cancer.

Insight on how a new class of antidepressants works Posted: 30 Sep 2015 11:06 AM PDT The experimental drugs target brain cells' ability to respond to the chemical messenger glutamate, however, it has been unclear how they work. The recent discovery of a molecular amplification system helps explain how the drugs achieve an antidepressant effect by altering signaling in particular neurons.

Study's message to recovering alcoholics: Quit smoking to stay sober Posted: 30 Sep 2015 11:03 AM PDT Adult smokers with a history of problem drinking who continue smoking are at a greater risk of relapsing three years later compared with adults who do not smoke. While treatments for alcohol abuse traditionally require concurrent treatment for problems around illicit substance use, smoking has not generally been part of alcohol or substance use treatment.

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