الجمعة، 8 يناير 2016

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

Lead exposure linked to ADHD in kids with genetic mutation

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 03:49 PM PST

Exposure to small amounts of lead may contribute to ADHD symptoms in children who have a particular gene mutation, according to new research. The scientists do not purport that lead is the only cause of ADHD symptoms, nor does the research indicate that lead exposure will guarantee an ADHD diagnosis; rather, the study demonstrates that environmental pollutants, such as lead, do play a role in the explanation of ADHD.

Detecting when, why deadly blood clots form

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 03:49 PM PST

A better assay for testing blood's clotting tendency, also known as hemostasis, has been devised. Researchers say it could one day prove lifesaving in a variety of clinical situations in which a patient's health is jeopardized by abnormal blood coagulation and platelet function.

Blocking melanoma's escape: Avatars break theraping resistance in relapsed cancers

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 03:49 PM PST

By utilizing a revolutionary method that allows mice to serve as 'avatars' for patients, scientists have shown that a previously ineffective targeted drug for melanoma may actually be quite potent in halting the progression of disease in certain patients.

Snappy Sleep Stager system identifies gene related to shorter sleep

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 03:49 PM PST

Sleep genetics research has been advanced by developing a new method for monitoring mouse sleep cycles. The Snappy Sleep Stager is a non-invasive, automated sleep cycle monitoring system based on mouse respiration, or breathing. By combining it with a new system for developing nearly perfect knock-out mice, they have identified a new short-sleeper gene, Nr3a.

Cellular 'switch' helps brain distinguish safety from danger, new study finds

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 12:17 PM PST

Researchers have identified a cellular circuit that helps the mouse brain to remember which environments are safe, and which are harmful. Their study also reveals what can happen when that circuitry is disrupted -- and may offer new insight into the treatment of conditions such as posttraumatic stress, panic and anxiety disorders.

Pathogens found in Ice Man's stomach

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 12:17 PM PST

Scientists are continually unearthing new facts about Homo sapiens from the mummified remains of Otzi, the Copper Age man, who was discovered in a glacier in 1991. Researchers have now succeeded in demonstrating the presence of Helicobacter pylori in Otzi's stomach contents, a bacterium found in half of all humans today.

New iron transporter essential for Leishmania parasite virulence is potential drug target

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 12:17 PM PST

Leishmaniasis is a serious parasitic disease that affects 12 million people worldwide. Like for many neglected tropical diseases that disproportionately affect poor populations, existing drugs have serious side-effects and face increasing parasite resistance. A study identifies a new drug target, and supports the conclusion that iron-dependent signals generated in the mitochondria are essential for the development of parasite stages that cause disease in humans.

Genetic variation linked to respiratory disease

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 11:06 AM PST

Genetic mutations in a protein associated with asthma can affect a person's susceptibility to a variety of lung diseases -- and could lead to new treatments -- researchers have discovered.

Coffee flour offers a potentially healthier way of enjoying java

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 11:06 AM PST

Scientists are developing the flour milled from a new invention -- parbaked coffee beans -- both as a food ingredient and a nutritional supplement.

Superiority of chromoendoscopy in dysplasia detection in patients with colitis, landmark study shows

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 11:06 AM PST

Chromoendoscopy is superior to random biopsy or white-light colonoscopy in detecting dysplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), according to a long-term surveillance study.

New touchless device makes earlier detection of heart problems possible

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 11:05 AM PST

A revolutionary system for monitoring vital signs has been created that could lead to improved detection and prevention of some cardiovascular issues, as well as greater independence for older adults.

Small changes in DNA can affect nicotine consumption

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 11:05 AM PST

Nicotine is an addictive substance and genetic factors are known to play a role in smoking behaviors. Recently, a team of researchers determined how small differences in a particular region of the mouse genome can alter nicotine consumption.

Possible strategy against stroke discovered

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 11:04 AM PST

Scientists have identified the oxygen sensor PHD1 as a potential target for the treatment of brain infarction (ischemic stroke). Despite (minor) improvements in stroke treatment, stroke remains the fourth leading cause of death and the most common reason of severe disability. The impact of stroke is overwhelming for the patient, family and society -- representing one of the largest unmet medical needs.

Slow stem cell division may cause small brains

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 11:04 AM PST

Researchers have figured out how a developmental disease called microcephaly produces a much smaller brain than normal: Some brain stem cells are simply too slow as they proceed through the neuron production process. The findings provide not only a new mechanistic explanation for microcephaly, but could also enhance understanding of autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders thought to arise from disruptions in the proper balance of neurons in the brain.

Neanderthal genes gave modern humans an immunity boost, allergies

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 11:04 AM PST

When modern humans met Neanderthals in Europe and the two species began interbreeding many thousands of years ago, the exchange left humans with gene variations that have increased the ability of those who carry them to ward off infection. This inheritance from Neanderthals may have also left some people more prone to allergies.

Orthopedic surgery simulation

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 10:00 AM PST

A unique training simulator for orthopedic open surgery (knee reconstruction with total joint replacement) has been developed by researchers.

Genetic traffic signal orchestrates early embryonic development

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 10:00 AM PST

A DNA-binding protein called Foxd3 acts like a genetic traffic signal, holding that ball of undifferentiated cells in a state of readiness for its great transformation in the third week of development, new research by stem cell biologists has revealed.

New role of protein kinases in embryo development and cancer

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 09:41 AM PST

A group of protein kinases have been found to play an important role in embryo development and may even be a potential cancer drug target, a research team demonstrates.

Epigenetic regulation of metastatic breast cancer progression may guide prognosis, future therapy

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 09:39 AM PST

A gene that plays a role in the development of breast cancer to metastatic disease has been identified which may help to predict disease progression and serve as a target for the development of future breast cancer therapies.

Gun, fire, motor vehicle safety practices linked to parents' depressive symptoms

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 09:39 AM PST

A new study links parental depression to increased safety risks for their children. The results suggest that mothers with moderate or severe depressive symptoms were two percentage points less likely to report that their child always sat in the back seat of the car and three percentage points less likely to have at least one working smoke detector in the home.

New antithrombotic guideline update for treatment of VTE disease

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 09:38 AM PST

Each year, there are approximately 10 million cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) worldwide. VTE, the formation of blood clots in the vein, is a dangerous and potentially deadly medical condition and is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In this latest evidence-based guideline, experts provide 53 updated recommendations for appropriate treatment of patients with VTE.

Light exposure and kids' weight: Is there a link?

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 07:48 AM PST

Light exposure plays a role in the weight of preschool children, a world-first study reveals. The researchers studied children aged three to five, from six childcare centers, measuring the children's sleep, activity and light exposure for a two week period, along with height and weight to calculate their BMI, then followed up 12-months later.

Smokers diagnosed with pneumonia found to have higher risk of lung cancer

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 07:48 AM PST

Screening heavy smokers admitted to the hospital with community-acquired pneumonia could facilitate the early diagnosis of lung cancer and thereby reduce the incidence of mortality, a new report suggests.

New approach to diagnosing low back pain, revealed by clinical study

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 07:48 AM PST

A new, personalized approach to diagnosing low back pain has been discovered by researchers. Low back pain is the second most common cause of physician visits in the US and contributes to an estimated $100 billion in US costs per year, making it clear that it causes a significant burden on both the healthcare system and the economy. For physicians trying to diagnose low back pain, they are looking at many potential causes and unpredictable responses to treatment.

Cancer death rate continues steady drop

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 07:47 AM PST

Steady reductions in smoking combined with advances in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment have resulted in a 23 percent drop in the cancer death rate since its peak in 1991.

Molecular mechanism responsible for a neurodegenerative disease discovered

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 06:47 AM PST

A mechanism that is responsible for the degeneration of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum in a neurodegenerative disease called Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 has been discovered by researchers. The results of this study open up new avenues for the future treatment of cerebellum associated degenerative disorders.

Eat less and be happy: Is it possible?

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 06:44 AM PST

Small, uncertain incentives stimulate the same reward center of the brain as food, new brain-imaging research reveals. In a new article, the authors offer food for thought on why we overeat and how we can be just as happy not doing it.

Veterans, civilian patients at risk of ICU-related PTSD up to a year post discharge

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 06:44 AM PST

One in ten patients is at risk of having new post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to their ICU experience up to a year post-discharge. This was the finding from a multicenter, prospective cohort research study of veterans and civilians.

Researchers ride new sound wave to health discovery

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 06:41 AM PST

Acoustics experts have created a new class of sound wave -- the first in more than half a century -- in a breakthrough they hope could lead to a revolution in stem cell therapy.

Your symptoms? Evolution's way of telling you to stay home

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 06:41 AM PST

Our selfish genes are behind the aches and fever, suggests new research. In the paper, the scientists go through a list of common symptoms, and each seems to support the hypothesis that feeling sick is an evolutionary adaptation. Appetite loss, for example, hinders the disease from spreading by communal food or water resources. Fatigue and weakness can lessen the mobility of the infected individual, reducing the radius of possible infection. Along with the symptoms, the sick individual can become depressed and lose interest in social and sexual contact, again limiting opportunities to transmit pathogens.

Tiny 'flasks' speed up chemical reactions

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 06:41 AM PST

Self-assembling nanosphere clusters may improve everything from drug synthesis to drug delivery, say investigators. These nanoflasks, which have a span of several nanometers, or millionths of a millimeter, can accelerate chemical reactions for research. In the future, they might facilitate the manufacture of various industrial materials and perhaps even serve as vehicles for drug delivery.

Valuing your time more than money is linked to happiness

Posted: 07 Jan 2016 06:41 AM PST

Valuing your time more than the pursuit of money is linked to greater happiness, according to new research. In six studies with more than 4,600 participants, researchers found an almost even split between people who tended to value their time or money, and that choice was a fairly consistent trait both for daily interactions and major life events.

Scientists test new strategy that could help fight ovarian cancer

Posted: 06 Jan 2016 07:05 PM PST

A promising novel method to treat gynecologic tumors has been discovered by researchers. The approach focuses on a protein called p53, which is commonly mutated in women who have high-grade serous ovarian cancer, the deadliest form of reproductive cancer. In many women with the disease, the cancer is very advanced by the time it is diagnosed and is therefore difficult to treat.

Most men not getting prostate cancer screening, treatment information they need

Posted: 06 Jan 2016 07:05 PM PST

Men and their health providers are not having important discussions when it comes to prostate cancer screening and treatment, new research has discovered.

Toxins found in fracking fluids and wastewater, study shows

Posted: 06 Jan 2016 07:04 PM PST

In an analysis of more than 1,000 chemicals in fluids used in and created by hydraulic fracturing (fracking), researchers found that many of the substances have been linked to reproductive and developmental health problems, and the majority had undetermined toxicity due to insufficient information.

Teens with autism and caregivers should plan early for adulthood

Posted: 06 Jan 2016 07:02 PM PST

As the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders continues to rise, medical professionals have emphasized early diagnosis, intervention and treatment. However, less attention has been given to children with autism once they reach their teen years and adulthood. Now researchers are working to find ways to support teens with autism and their caregivers so the teens can transition into adulthood successfully and independently.

Exercise to improve skill and coordination can help reduce lower back pain, new research shows

Posted: 06 Jan 2016 07:00 PM PST

A new review shows that targeting exercises to muscles that support and control the spine offers another strategy to reduce pain and disability caused by lower back pain.

Lung cancer clinical trial finds lung function without additional imaging

Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:58 PM PST

A clinical trial is evaluating a new method for pinpointing and sparing healthy lung tissue during lung cancer radiotherapy. The group is applying advanced image analysis techniques to 4D CT scans already performed as a standard step in targeting lung cancer radiotherapy, to map areas of lung function without additional testing.

Factors in the blood during dieting may have anti-diabetes properties

Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:58 PM PST

Factors in the blood from calorie-restricted rats can modify energy-producing mitochondria within the insulin-producing cells that regulate blood sugar levels, new research shows. This has a positive impact on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and protects cells from fatty acid and glucose toxicity.

Early trial shows injectable agent illuminates cancer during surgery

Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:37 PM PST

A new injectable agent has been tested that causes cancer cells in a tumor to fluoresce, potentially increasing a surgeon's ability to locate and remove all of a cancerous tumor on the first attempt.

ALS protein dynamics highlight delicate balance between self-association and aggregation

Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:37 PM PST

The ALS-related protein TDP-43 takes the first steps toward pathologic aggregation as part of its normal function, according to a new study. The study supports the emerging idea that protein aggregation in neurologic disease may be an exaggeration of the normal functions of the aggregating proteins.

Loss of cells in brain's memory center linked to schizophrenia

Posted: 06 Jan 2016 09:50 AM PST

Deficits in social memory -- a crucial yet poorly understood feature of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia -- may be due to a decrease in the number of a particular class of brain cells, called inhibitory neurons, in a little-explored region within the brain's memory center. These findings explain some of the underlying mechanisms that lead to the more difficult-to-treat symptoms of schizophrenia, including social withdrawal, reduced motivation and decreased emotional capacity.

Is there a connection between your age at menopause and later depression?

Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:46 AM PST

Is there a connection between your age at menopause and later depression? A review of medical literature suggests older age at menopause was associated with a lower risk of depression for women in later life.

Mines researchers develop injectable microwheels to deliver fast, effective treatment for blood clots

Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:09 AM PST

Research demonstrates microscale biomedical devices shaped like wheels can be injected into the body and effectively "roll" to treat areas in need – such as arterial blockages.
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