ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

---

• Opioid overdoses linked to higher prescription rates in British Columbia
• Association between breastfeeding, reduced risk of aggressive breast cancer
• Making heads and tails of embryo development: Lessons from the humble fly
• Radiotherapeutic bandage shows potential as treatment for skin cancer
• Historian examines environmental cost of tapping alternate sources for water, oil
• Scientists use exhaled breath to detect hypoxia
• Prevention of mental disorders through physical activity
• Could your job be making you obese?
• Brain imaging can predict success of large public health campaigns
• Alerting the immune system's watchmen to improve vaccines
• Northern climates make a difference with growth hormone treatment
• New incretin-based medicines will allow weight, diabetes control with a single weekly dose
• New treatment option for nonfunctional neuroendocrine tumours of the lung, gastrointestinal tract
• Language, immigrant status tied to toxic exposure
• Twitter offers valuable insights into the experience of MRI patients
• Helping kids hear better
• Drug for digestive problem can extend survival for many advanced cancer patients
• Drug-device combination opens potential new path to treat stroke
• Inherited gene variation linked to an increased risk of the most common childhood cancer
• Treatments offer hope for chronic fatigue syndrome
• High stress during pregnancy decreases offspring survival, according to mongoose study
• Singing's secret power: The Ice-breaker Effect
• More precise due dates for pregnant mothers
• New finding helps explain why many alcohol drinkers also are smokers
• New growth charts developed for US children with Down syndrome
• 3-D pancreatic cancer organoid may help predict clinical responses, personalize treatments
• Reduced activity of a brain protein linked to post-traumatic stress disorder
• Complete symptom resolution reduces risk of depression recurrence, study finds
• Genetic tests of amniotic fluid could guide timing of delicate births
• New finding offers clues for blocking cancer gene
• Intestinal worms 'talk' to gut bacteria to boost immune system
• New studies show Nobel Prize-winning drug that knocks out parasitic worms could have second act fighting malaria
• Biodegradable implant could help heal broken bones
• Enzyme identified as a major culprit of autoimmune diseases
• New research shows the simulated economic impact of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
• Potential new therapy for triple-negative breast cancer shows promise in lab studies
• When it comes to children's ability to think, weight and activity level both matter, study finds
• Driving with glaucoma? Some patients increase scanning to adapt for impaired vision
• Diabetes identified as a risk factor for surgical site infections
• Manipulating the antennae on cells promises new treatments for osteoarthritis
• Multi-tasking flu vaccine could provide better protection against outbreaks

Opioid overdoses linked to higher prescription rates in British Columbia Posted: 28 Oct 2015 09:39 AM PDT Strong painkillers known as prescription opioids appear to be overprescribed in some regions of British Columbia, Canada, resulting in higher rates of overdose and death, according to a new study.

Association between breastfeeding, reduced risk of aggressive breast cancer Posted: 28 Oct 2015 06:51 AM PDT Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of developing an aggressive form of breast cancer called hormone-receptor negative, a large international study shows. Hormone-receptor-negative (HRN) breast cancers are more likely to be aggressive and life-threatening. This subtype is more commonly diagnosed in women under age 50.

Making heads and tails of embryo development: Lessons from the humble fly Posted: 28 Oct 2015 06:51 AM PDT Proteins usually responsible for the destruction of virally infected or cancerous cells in our immune system have been found to control the release from cells of a critical growth factor governing head and tail development in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). This may help explain how these perforin-like proteins function in human brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Radiotherapeutic bandage shows potential as treatment for skin cancer Posted: 28 Oct 2015 06:51 AM PDT A radiotherapeutic bandage is being evaluated by researchers for efficacy against squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in an animal model. These results could confirm the viability of a new and improved strategy for the radiotherapeutic treatment of skin cancer in the clinic.

Historian examines environmental cost of tapping alternate sources for water, oil Posted: 28 Oct 2015 05:52 AM PDT Saudi Arabia is one of the top oil producing countries in the world. However, a professor of history says it may have never earned that reputation if not for a quest to find drinking water in the late 19th century, because of drought and repeated cholera outbreaks.

Scientists use exhaled breath to detect hypoxia Posted: 28 Oct 2015 05:51 AM PDT Researchers have demonstrated a technique that may enable real-time, in-flight detection of hypoxia in pilots. The findings indicate that volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis could identify biomarkers of hypoxia.

Prevention of mental disorders through physical activity Posted: 28 Oct 2015 05:49 AM PDT Adults who perform high or mild levels of total physical activity present higher levels of mental health than those performing low levels of physical activity, a study concludes. They also found that the level of exercise performed in leisure time is inversely related to vulnerability to mental disorders.

Could your job be making you obese? Posted: 28 Oct 2015 05:49 AM PDT Research reveals link between having to make lots of decisions at work and increased BMI. The findings suggest for the first time that these two psychological measures of control at work may actually have very different effects on our waistlines, so should be assessed separately.

Brain imaging can predict success of large public health campaigns Posted: 28 Oct 2015 05:40 AM PDT In a new study, brain activity in 50 smokers in Michigan was able to predict the outcome of an anti-smoking advertising campaign sent to 800,000 in New York, demonstrating the promise of neuroscience to inform and improve public health campaigns.

Alerting the immune system's watchmen to improve vaccines Posted: 28 Oct 2015 05:40 AM PDT As the days get colder and shorter, we carve jack-o-lanterns and drink pumpkin spice lattes. But one fall tradition can actually keep you healthy: getting your flu shot. Like all vaccines, the flu shot trains the immune system to fend off infection, but some need help to produce the full effect. Researchers now report a new way to help improve vaccines using molecules that more effectively direct the immune system.

Northern climates make a difference with growth hormone treatment Posted: 28 Oct 2015 02:49 AM PDT The rate of growth in children varies with the season while higher latitude and greater summer daylight exposure makes a significant difference in results for children treated with growth hormone, according to new research.

New incretin-based medicines will allow weight, diabetes control with a single weekly dose Posted: 28 Oct 2015 02:49 AM PDT The new generation of incretin-based medicines will allow a coordinated action against the combination diabetes/obesity, also known as diabesity, in some cases with only a single weekly dose, and with the likelihood of additional beneficial effects on other health complications related to this condition, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

New treatment option for nonfunctional neuroendocrine tumours of the lung, gastrointestinal tract Posted: 28 Oct 2015 02:49 AM PDT The efficacy of the agent everolimus in treating nonfunctional neuroendocrine tumours of lung or gastrointestinal origin has been demonstrated by researchers. Progression-free survival of patients was successfully extended by seven months and the risk of progression of the disease fell by 52%. Everolimus was well tolerated and side-effects were consistent with the known profile.

Language, immigrant status tied to toxic exposure Posted: 28 Oct 2015 02:45 AM PDT Economically disadvantaged immigrant neighborhoods of non-English speaking Latinos are more likely to be exposed to cancer-causing air toxins than comparable communities of any other racial group in the United States, new research shows.

Twitter offers valuable insights into the experience of MRI patients Posted: 28 Oct 2015 02:45 AM PDT Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be a stressful experience for many people, but clinicians have few ways to track the thoughts and feelings of their patients regarding this procedure. While the social networking site Twitter is known for breaking news and celebrity tweets, it may also prove to be a valuable feedback tool for medical professionals looking to improve the patient experience, according to a new study.

Helping kids hear better Posted: 27 Oct 2015 06:36 PM PDT A first-of-its-kind study discovered that many hard-of-hearing children who receive optimal, early services are able to 'catch up or significantly close the gaps with their hearing peers,' say researchers.

Drug for digestive problem can extend survival for many advanced cancer patients Posted: 27 Oct 2015 06:36 PM PDT Advanced cancer patients given a drug designed to relieve constipation caused by pain killers lived longer with less tumor progression than those who did not receive or respond to the drug, researchers report. This is the first study in humans to associate opioid blockade with longer survival. It suggests that methylnaltrexone, approved in 2008 for prevention of opioid-induced constipation, should play a larger role in cancer therapy.

Drug-device combination opens potential new path to treat stroke Posted: 27 Oct 2015 06:36 PM PDT Scientists developing novel nanotherapeutics for clearing obstructed blood vessels have teamed up stroke researchers to develop a new, highly effective drug-device combination for treating life-threatening blood clots in patients with stroke.

Inherited gene variation linked to an increased risk of the most common childhood cancer Posted: 27 Oct 2015 06:36 PM PDT For two generations of one family, inherited variation in the ETV6 gene linked to an increased risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Treatments offer hope for chronic fatigue syndrome Posted: 27 Oct 2015 06:36 PM PDT Two treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome have long term benefits for people affected by chronic fatigue syndrome. The team was following up patients who took part in a study published in 2011. In that study they looked at four potential treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) achieved better outcomes than standard medical care (SMC) and adaptive pacing therapy (APT) at one year.

High stress during pregnancy decreases offspring survival, according to mongoose study Posted: 27 Oct 2015 06:34 PM PDT Researchers studying banded mongooses in Uganda have discovered that pups born to females that experienced elevated stress hormones during the later stages of pregnancy are much less likely to survive their first month.

Singing's secret power: The Ice-breaker Effect Posted: 27 Oct 2015 06:34 PM PDT A study with adult learners showed groups doing singing bonded faster than others. The study looked at how people attending adult education classes grew closer over seven months. The conclusion -- singing groups bonded more quickly than creative writing or craft classes.

More precise due dates for pregnant mothers Posted: 27 Oct 2015 06:34 PM PDT Until now, measuring cervical length has been used to help detect women with a high chance of premature labor -- the shorter the cervix, the more likely labor is imminent. Now researchers suggests that a routine screening could help narrow the estimated date of delivery for pregnant women.

New finding helps explain why many alcohol drinkers also are smokers Posted: 27 Oct 2015 12:49 PM PDT Alcohol and nicotine use have long been known to go hand in hand. Previous research shows that more than 85 percent of US adults who are alcohol-dependent also are nicotine-dependent. Now, researchers have found that nicotine cancels out the sleep-inducing effects of alcohol. It's a finding that sheds light on the reason alcohol and nicotine usage are so closely linked.

New growth charts developed for US children with Down syndrome Posted: 27 Oct 2015 12:49 PM PDT Pediatric researchers have developed the first set of growth charts for US children with Down syndrome since 1988. These new charts provide an important tool for pediatricians to evaluate growth milestones for children and adolescents with this condition. With these new charts, pediatricians will be able to compare each patient's growth patterns with peers of the same age and sex who have Down syndrome.

3-D pancreatic cancer organoid may help predict clinical responses, personalize treatments Posted: 27 Oct 2015 12:49 PM PDT A new method to grow 3-D organoid cultures of pancreatic tumors directly from surgical tissue offers a promising opportunity for testing targeted therapies and personalizing treatments in a rapid, cost-effective manner.

Reduced activity of a brain protein linked to post-traumatic stress disorder Posted: 27 Oct 2015 12:49 PM PDT People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have reduced activity of the protein serum and glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) in their prefrontal cortices, and experimentally reducing the protein's activity in rats leads to PTSD-like behavior, according to a new study. The study suggests that augmenting activity of SGK1 may be therapeutic in PTSD.

Complete symptom resolution reduces risk of depression recurrence, study finds Posted: 27 Oct 2015 11:30 AM PDT People who have had an episode of major depression are at high risk for having another episode. Now, researchers have found that the risk of recurrence is significantly lower for people with complete, rather than partial depressive symptom resolution.

Genetic tests of amniotic fluid could guide timing of delicate births Posted: 27 Oct 2015 10:28 AM PDT Analyzing gene expression of an expectant mother's amniotic fluid could give doctors an important tool for deciding when it is safe to deliver premature babies. Researchers report a way to test RNA and specific genetic signatures in amniotic fluid to see whether fetal lungs -- and potentially other organs -- are mature enough for a safe and viable delivery.

New finding offers clues for blocking cancer gene Posted: 27 Oct 2015 10:28 AM PDT A new study suggests a potential new way to block Notch, one of the most common cancer-causing genes, without causing severe side effects. The Notch gene plays a role in many types of cancer. It's the most common cancer-causing gene in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. About 60 percent of children and adults with T-cell leukemia harbor a Notch mutation.

Intestinal worms 'talk' to gut bacteria to boost immune system Posted: 27 Oct 2015 10:28 AM PDT Researchers have discovered how intestinal worm infections cross-talk with gut bacteria to help the immune system. Intestinal worms infect over 2 billion people across the world, mostly children, in areas with poor sanitation. But despite causing serious health problems, worms can actually help the immune system of its host as an indirect way of protecting themselves, say authors of the new report.

New studies show Nobel Prize-winning drug that knocks out parasitic worms could have second act fighting malaria Posted: 27 Oct 2015 10:28 AM PDT A workhorse of a drug that a few weeks ago earned its developers a Nobel prize for its success in treating multiple tropical diseases is showing early promise as a novel and desperately needed tool for interrupting malaria transmission, according to new findings.

Biodegradable implant could help heal broken bones Posted: 27 Oct 2015 09:57 AM PDT A plastic created from cornstarch combined with a volcanic ash compound could help heal broken bones, say scientists, adding that using a synthetic material will likely lead to a reduction in the surgery complication rate. The patient will only need to heal from one surgery because harvesting bone would not be necessary.

Enzyme identified as a major culprit of autoimmune diseases Posted: 27 Oct 2015 09:51 AM PDT Activating an enzyme that sounds an alarm for the body's innate immune system causes two lethal autoimmune diseases in mice, while inhibiting the same enzyme rescues them, researchers report.

New research shows the simulated economic impact of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak Posted: 27 Oct 2015 09:51 AM PDT Simulation models can help prepare for potential foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in livestock, experts say. New research found that adopting an emergency vaccination approach to protect and prepare the industry and markets for a potential FMD outbreak could be warranted in certain situations.

Potential new therapy for triple-negative breast cancer shows promise in lab studies Posted: 27 Oct 2015 09:39 AM PDT Recent laboratory findings provide novel insight into potential new therapeutic approaches for triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly difficult to treat and aggressive form of the disease.

When it comes to children's ability to think, weight and activity level both matter, study finds Posted: 27 Oct 2015 09:39 AM PDT Weight and physical activity levels are both factors in a child's ability to acquire and use knowledge, a new study finds. Children who were lean and active scored better on cognitive tests than either their lean, inactive peers or overweight, inactive children, according to the study, which provides some of the first evidence that weight, independent of physical activity, is a factor.

Driving with glaucoma? Some patients increase scanning to adapt for impaired vision Posted: 27 Oct 2015 09:39 AM PDT Some people with glaucoma-related binocular (both eyes) vision loss can pass a standard driving test by adopting increased visual scanning behavior, reports a new study.

Diabetes identified as a risk factor for surgical site infections Posted: 27 Oct 2015 09:33 AM PDT Diabetic patients are at considerably increased risk for developing surgical site infections while undergoing most types of surgeries, compared to non-diabetic patients, according to a new study.

Manipulating the antennae on cells promises new treatments for osteoarthritis Posted: 27 Oct 2015 09:33 AM PDT Bioengineers have shown for the first time that lithium chloride, a common drug used to treat mental health disorders, could offer an effective treatment against osteoarthritis by disrupting the length of the cells' antennae called primary cilia.

Multi-tasking flu vaccine could provide better protection against outbreaks Posted: 27 Oct 2015 09:31 AM PDT Researchers have found a way to boost the effectiveness and cross-protective capabilities of an influenza A vaccine by adding a simple component. The research in mice could lead to better seasonal flu vaccines for humans, and also vaccines that could provide community protection in the early stages of an outbreak of a novel flu virus strain.

You are subscribed to email updates from Health & Medicine News -- ScienceDaily. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States