ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Seeing viruses in a new light
• Contaminants in New York City’s community gardens
• Reducing pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the big toe
• Sex differences in Type 2 diabetes affect cardiovascular disease risk
• Unique anti-diabetes compound using powerful new drug-discovery method
• Fighting Prescription Painkiller Abuse Among Baby Boomers
• Sperm crane their neck to turn right
• Loss of enzyme promotes tumor progression in endometrial cancer
• Most crowded U.S. hospitals did not adopt proven interventions, study finds
• Cancer patient symptom surveys linked to reduced ER visits, improved survival and quality of life
• Green tea impairs development, reproduction in fruit flies, study finds
• Enzyme involved in cell division also plays a role in inflammation
• Negative beliefs about aging predict Alzheimer's disease in study
• New findings reveal the interplay between epilepsy and aging
• Pharmaceutical CBD (cannabidiol) shows promise for children with severe epilepsy
• Study links Facebook connections, alcohol use in college-aged females
• Chasing invasive cancer cells with a laser
• Tiny drug-laden 'popping bubbles' lead triple attack treatment for liver cancer
• Older adults live independently longer when monitored by care team, technology
• Difference between facial growth of Neanderthals and modern humans
• Physical activity may leave the brain more open to change
• Can your childhood pet make you depressed?
• New personal monitoring devices for epilepsy may offer alternatives to inpatient video EEG
• Men's interest in babies linked with hormonal responses to sexual stimuli
• Experimental drug is first targeted therapy to improve survival in high-risk AML patients
• Stretchy hydrogel 'Band-Aid' senses, lights up, delivers medicine
• Home-delivered meals reduce loneliness, study finds
• Engineers invent process to accelerate protein evolution
• Modified mosquitoes could help fight against malaria
• Risky sexual behavior by young men with HIV who have sex with men
• Skin cells play 'dice games'
• Unraveling the genetic basis of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
• Matchmaker lets calcium flow
• Researchers answer perplexing question about Lupus
• RVG-exosome delivered MOR-RNAi rescues drug addiction
• Scientists discover 'back door' of nuclear receptor
• Sleep disturbance in epilepsy: Causes and consequences
• Looking for the best antioxidant fruit? Search no further than black raspberries
• Discovery of unique muscle fibers of upper airway in humans
• Cadmium increases risk of fractures
• New hope for children with cancer
• A new approach to predict evolution of influenza viruses can enhance vaccine efficacy
• Scientists discover new cellular mechanism for potential target protein for acute myeloid leukemia
• Pancreatitis often caused by gallstones
• Diabetics with foot complications have impaired cognitive function, study shows
• Discovery puts designer dopamine neurons within reach
• New clues for battling botulism
• Characteristics that may increase a breast cancer survivor's risk of developing leukemia following treatment identified

Seeing viruses in a new light Posted: 07 Dec 2015 01:57 PM PST If researchers can understand how viruses assemble, they may be able to design drugs that prevent viruses from forming in the first place. Unfortunately, how exactly viruses self-assemble has long remained a mystery because it happens very quickly and at such small length-scales. Now, there is a system to track nanometer-sized viruses at sub-millisecond time scales. The method is the first step towards tracking individual proteins and genomic molecules at high speeds as they assemble to create a virus.

Contaminants in New York City’s community gardens Posted: 07 Dec 2015 01:43 PM PST While community gardens provide benefits including urban green space, opportunities for recreation, art expression, social gathering, and improved diets, urban gardening may also increase the opportunity for exposure to common urban soil contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Reducing pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the big toe Posted: 07 Dec 2015 01:43 PM PST Prefabricated foot orthoses and rocker-sole footwear (in which the sole of the shoe is curved) are effective at reducing peak pressure under the big toe in people with a condition called first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis, but new research shows that they achieve this through different mechanisms. Also, rocker-sole shoes exhibited lower peak pressure under the lesser toes and midfoot, while orthoses increased peak pressure in these areas.

Sex differences in Type 2 diabetes affect cardiovascular disease risk Posted: 07 Dec 2015 01:43 PM PST Women with Type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have coronary heart disease compared to men, and may also need more frequent and intense physical activity to lower their risk of having a heart attack or stroke, according to a new scientific statement.

Unique anti-diabetes compound using powerful new drug-discovery method Posted: 07 Dec 2015 01:40 PM PST A powerful new drug discovery technique has been developed to identify an anti-diabetes compound with a novel mechanism of action, a technique with significant potential to quickly find drug candidates.

Fighting Prescription Painkiller Abuse Among Baby Boomers Posted: 07 Dec 2015 01:40 PM PST Prescription opioid abuse has reached epidemic proportions, but new research has found motivational interviewing, a form of behavioral counseling, is an effective tool at curbing misuse.

Sperm crane their neck to turn right Posted: 07 Dec 2015 01:40 PM PST Spermatozoa need to crane their necks to turn right to counteract a left-turning drive caused by the rotation of their tails, new research has found. The researchers discovered that all sperm tails (flagella) rotate in a counter-clockwise motion as they beat to enable them to move through and against the motion of a fluid.

Loss of enzyme promotes tumor progression in endometrial cancer Posted: 07 Dec 2015 01:39 PM PST Scientists have shown for the first time why loss of the enzyme CD73 in human cancer promotes tumor progression. CD73 is the crucial enzyme for generating adenosine, a signaling molecule important for regulation of normal tissue function and stability or homeostasis.

Most crowded U.S. hospitals did not adopt proven interventions, study finds Posted: 07 Dec 2015 01:39 PM PST Researchers looked at crowding in U.S. hospitals from 2007-10 and found that while the adoption of strategies to reduce emergency department crowding has increased, many of the nation's most crowded emergency departments have not adopted effective interventions.

Cancer patient symptom surveys linked to reduced ER visits, improved survival and quality of life Posted: 07 Dec 2015 01:39 PM PST An Internet-based system for symptom collection benefited patients while giving them a clearer voice in their own care.

Green tea impairs development, reproduction in fruit flies, study finds Posted: 07 Dec 2015 12:12 PM PST Although green tea is enjoyed by millions for its numerous health benefits, researchers have discovered that excessive consumption adversely affected development and reproduction in fruit fly populations.

Enzyme involved in cell division also plays a role in inflammation Posted: 07 Dec 2015 11:59 AM PST The first report that an enzyme previously known solely for its role in cell division also acts as an on-off switch in the innate immune system -- the body's first defense against infection -- has been released by scientists.

Negative beliefs about aging predict Alzheimer's disease in study Posted: 07 Dec 2015 11:59 AM PST Individuals who hold negative beliefs about aging are more likely to have brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, newly published research demonstrates.

New findings reveal the interplay between epilepsy and aging Posted: 07 Dec 2015 11:58 AM PST The largest and fastest-growing segment of people with epilepsy are those age 60 and older. People with epilepsy face a number of related health challenges, including cognitive, physical and psychological disorders. But new research suggests other, less expected consequences on the aging process. Four studies presented at the American Epilepsy Society's 69th Annual Meeting explore the effects of epilepsy on the brain, providing insights that shed light on the long-term implications of life with epilepsy.

Pharmaceutical CBD (cannabidiol) shows promise for children with severe epilepsy Posted: 07 Dec 2015 11:58 AM PST Around the globe there is high interest in the use of cannabidiol, for the treatment of people with epilepsy, especially children who have treatment-resistant forms of the disorder. Three studies presented at the American Epilepsy Society's 69th Annual Meeting in Philadelphia highlight emerging efficacy and safety data of Epidiolex, a pharmaceutical liquid formulation of cannabidiol. A fourth study highlights possible interactions of CBD with existing anti-epileptic drugs in animal models of seizures.

Study links Facebook connections, alcohol use in college-aged females Posted: 07 Dec 2015 10:17 AM PST Researchers have found links between certain patterns of connections among Facebook friends and drug and alcohol use among college-aged females.

Chasing invasive cancer cells with a laser Posted: 07 Dec 2015 10:17 AM PST What makes invasive cancer cells behave differently than the other cells in the tumor from which they arise? Let's turn them red with a laser and find out, suggest scientists.

Tiny drug-laden 'popping bubbles' lead triple attack treatment for liver cancer Posted: 07 Dec 2015 10:17 AM PST A novel method for repositioning an FDA-approved anti-cancer compound has been discovered, which allows it to specifically target liver cancer tumors. A 'triple attack' technique combining chemotherapy, thermal ablation, and hyperthermia provided a highly targeted, yet minimally invasive approach.

Older adults live independently longer when monitored by care team, technology Posted: 07 Dec 2015 10:17 AM PST Older adults who lived in an independent living community that uses sensor technology and onsite care coordination to maintain residents' health stayed longer at the community than seniors who live in other senior housing across the nation. Length of stay is important because it indicates that residents' health remains stable enough for them to continue living independently. The technologically enhanced care coordination could serve as a cost-effective care model for improving the health and function of older adults.

Difference between facial growth of Neanderthals and modern humans Posted: 07 Dec 2015 10:15 AM PST A new study describes for the first time the developmental processes that differentiate Neanderthal facial skeletons from those of modern humans.

Physical activity may leave the brain more open to change Posted: 07 Dec 2015 10:15 AM PST Learning, memory, and brain repair depend on the ability of our neurons to change with experience. Now, researchers have evidence from a small study in people that exercise may enhance this essential plasticity of the adult brain.

Can your childhood pet make you depressed? Posted: 07 Dec 2015 08:45 AM PST Having a pet offers companionship, comfort and emotional security to millions; many love and cherish them like family members. This can in turn have positive effects on mental health.

New personal monitoring devices for epilepsy may offer alternatives to inpatient video EEG Posted: 07 Dec 2015 08:40 AM PST Uncontrolled epilepsy often requires a series of trials and errors to identify effective drug combinations. Continuous, long-term EEG data could streamline this process by revealing the full picture of a patient's seizure activity. Three new personal monitoring devices offer biometric recording technology that could allow patients to monitor clinical and subclinical seizure activity in the everyday home environment and get advance warning before a seizure strikes.

Men's interest in babies linked with hormonal responses to sexual stimuli Posted: 07 Dec 2015 08:39 AM PST Young men's interest in babies is associated with their physiological reactivity to sexually explicit material, according to new research. The study showed that young men who reported more interest in babies showed a lower increase in testosterone in response to sexually explicit material than men who weren't as interested in babies.

Experimental drug is first targeted therapy to improve survival in high-risk AML patients Posted: 07 Dec 2015 08:38 AM PST Midostaurin added to standard chemotherapy is the first targeted treatment to improve survival of a high-risk, genetically defined subgroup of patients with acute myeloid leukemia according to new research.

Stretchy hydrogel 'Band-Aid' senses, lights up, delivers medicine Posted: 07 Dec 2015 08:38 AM PST Engineers have designed what may be the Band-Aid of the future: a sticky, stretchy, gel-like material that can incorporate temperature sensors, LED lights, and other electronics, as well as tiny, drug-delivering reservoirs and channels. The 'smart wound dressing' releases medicine in response to changes in skin temperature and can be designed to light up if, say, medicine is running low.

Home-delivered meals reduce loneliness, study finds Posted: 07 Dec 2015 08:38 AM PST Seniors who receive meal deliveries at home report significantly less loneliness than those who do not, show results of a randomized, controlled trial.

Engineers invent process to accelerate protein evolution Posted: 07 Dec 2015 08:38 AM PST Through evolution, DNA mutations generate more effective proteins. Humans have found many uses for these molecules -- as foods, industrial enzymes, anti-cancer drugs -- and scientists want to understand how to engineer better protein variants. Now engineers have invented a technology that accelerates protein evolution for this purpose. It allows researchers to test millions of variants of a protein, choose the best one and determine the DNA sequence that creates it.

Modified mosquitoes could help fight against malaria Posted: 07 Dec 2015 08:38 AM PST For the first time, malarial mosquitoes have been modified to be infertile and pass on the trait rapidly -- raising the possibility of reducing the spread of disease.

Risky sexual behavior by young men with HIV who have sex with men Posted: 07 Dec 2015 08:37 AM PST Young men who have sex with men and have detectable levels of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were more likely to report condomless anal sex, including with a partner not infected with HIV, than virologically suppressed young men who have sex with men, according to an article.

Skin cells play 'dice games' Posted: 07 Dec 2015 08:37 AM PST How to maintain healthy skin and heal wounds is an intricate problem. Latest research shows all dividing skin cells can flip between two probability games to either maintain or heal skin, challenging the view that only rare stem cells matter. Understanding the rules of the games not only explains how skin maintains itself and heals wounds, but also shows how skin grafts work and suggests how changes to the rules could lead to cancer.

Unraveling the genetic basis of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy Posted: 07 Dec 2015 08:37 AM PST The leading cause of epilepsy-related death is a poorly understood phenomenon known as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The risk factors and causes of SUDEP remain unclear but researchers have proposed explanations ranging from irregular heart rhythm to genetic predisposition to accidental suffocation during sleep.

Matchmaker lets calcium flow Posted: 07 Dec 2015 07:03 AM PST The ebb and flow of intracellular calcium concentrations is a universal mode of communication in mammalian cells. Researchers have now identified the matchmaker that brings two critical calcium channel components together, thus allowing calcium to rush into the fluid-filled space known as cytosol.

Researchers answer perplexing question about Lupus Posted: 07 Dec 2015 07:03 AM PST Biomedical researchers have suspected that a specific set of immune cells are responsible for causing disease in late-stage lupus patients, but until now they haven't known for sure. An immunologist has found that these cells do not, in fact, contribute to late-stage lupus in mice.

RVG-exosome delivered MOR-RNAi rescues drug addiction Posted: 07 Dec 2015 07:00 AM PST Secreted RVG- exosome-delivered siRNA down-regulates opioid receptor Mu (MOR) in mouse brain and rescues drug addiction, new research indicates.

Scientists discover 'back door' of nuclear receptor Posted: 07 Dec 2015 07:00 AM PST An entirely new way of antagonizing a human nuclear receptor has been uncovered by scientists. They expect this to have significant impact in the world of drug research. Nuclear receptors are modulatory proteins that control numerous crucial bodily functions and thus play a key role in many pathologies. A new, potentially better method has been found to impact the function of these proteins. This opens an avenue whereby drugs could be developed with a decreased susceptibility to resistance.

Sleep disturbance in epilepsy: Causes and consequences Posted: 07 Dec 2015 06:59 AM PST Researchers are only beginning to understand the implications of disrupted sleep in people with epilepsy. Recent findings suggest that seizure-interrupted sleep could impede memory formation, impair cognitive performance and influence a myriad of other aspects of daily life. Scientists have now unveil previously unappreciated links between sleep disturbances and seizure control, and help clarify the causes and consequences of these issues in people with epilepsy.

Looking for the best antioxidant fruit? Search no further than black raspberries Posted: 07 Dec 2015 05:24 AM PST The science behind superfood stories: Antioxidant properties of raspberry and blackberry fruits grown in Central Europe.

Discovery of unique muscle fibers of upper airway in humans Posted: 07 Dec 2015 05:24 AM PST Unique muscle fibers in the soft palate of the mouth in both infants and adults have been recently discovered. The fibers seem to be present in greater number in snorers and sleep apnea patients, researchers say.

Cadmium increases risk of fractures Posted: 07 Dec 2015 05:22 AM PST People who are exposed to higher levels of cadmium have an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Cadmium also affects the kidneys. New research explored this issue in a study of over 900 older men.

New hope for children with cancer Posted: 07 Dec 2015 05:22 AM PST Children suffering from a cancer of the nervous system could benefit from a potential new treatment.

A new approach to predict evolution of influenza viruses can enhance vaccine efficacy Posted: 07 Dec 2015 05:22 AM PST New results suggest that genomic information from circulating influenza viruses can help in producing more efficient seasonal vaccines. The researchers were able to develop a simple approach for reliable real-time tracking and prediction of viral evolution based on whole-genome sequences of influenza viruses.

Scientists discover new cellular mechanism for potential target protein for acute myeloid leukemia Posted: 07 Dec 2015 05:22 AM PST Additional findings explain the development of about one-third of AML cases and may contribute towards AML diagnostic applications and drug screening.

Pancreatitis often caused by gallstones Posted: 07 Dec 2015 05:22 AM PST Idiopathic pancreatitis is often caused by small gallstones that are difficult to observe prior to surgery, shows a study. Small gallstones were found in surgery from two out of three idiopathic pancreatitis patients. The study also showed that acute pancreatitis was more common in statin users than non-users.

Diabetics with foot complications have impaired cognitive function, study shows Posted: 07 Dec 2015 05:18 AM PST Those with diabetic foot complications remember less, have decreased concentration, difficulty with learning, decreased inhibition, slower cognitive and psychomotor responses, and decreased verbal fluency, research indicates. This implies that diabetic patients with diabetic foot complication suffer cognitive difficulties above and beyond those known in the general diabetic population.

Discovery puts designer dopamine neurons within reach Posted: 07 Dec 2015 05:18 AM PST Parkinson's disease researchers have developed a way to ramp up the conversion of skin cells into dopamine neurons. They have identified -- and found a way to overcome -- a key obstacle to such cellular conversions.

New clues for battling botulism Posted: 07 Dec 2015 05:18 AM PST Scientists have discovered new details about how 'cloaking' proteins protect the toxin that causes botulism, a fatal disease caused most commonly by consuming improperly canned foods. That knowledge and the cloaking proteins themselves might now be turned against the toxin -- the deadliest known to humankind.

Characteristics that may increase a breast cancer survivor's risk of developing leukemia following treatment identified Posted: 07 Dec 2015 05:18 AM PST A new analysis indicates that certain characteristics may increase a breast cancer survivor's risk of developing leukemia after undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation. The findings are a first step toward finding ways to prevent this serious and potentially life-threatening treatment-related complication.

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