ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Common gene variant influences food choices ... for better or worse
• Scientists discover how breast cancer cells spread from blood vessels
• It doesn't 'get better' for some bullied LGBT youths
• Eye abnormalities in infants with microcephaly associated with Zika virus
• New guideline for treatment of prolonged seizures in children and adults
• Interruption of radiation therapy risks cancer recurrence
• COPD may cause structural changes within the brain
• A new home, but with no medical home? Study of immigrants' kids with special health needs
• 'Molecular movie' opens door to new cancer treatments
• Link between stress fracture injuries, genes found
• Wound-healing intestinal bacteria: Like shrubs after a forest fire
• Robotically driven system could reduce cost of discovering drug, target interactions
• Study compares outcomes at VA hospitals vs. non-VA hospitals
• Cutting prison sentences could reduce spread of HIV
• Stereotypes about Native Americans and alcohol debunked
• Researchers illuminate 'dark side' of the transcriptome
• Professors use cadaver DNA to advance genetics literacy in medical curricula
• Air pollution exposure during pregnancy linked with asthma risk
• Patient access to online health action plans enhances rate of preventive care
• Researchers see helpful protein causing cancer
• Study shows promising safety results for anti-aging drug
• Conversion of head and neck cancer cells into radiation-resistant cancer stem cells depends on HPV status, study finds
• Nasoalveolar molding use for cleft lip, palate reduces the number of surgeries and cost of care
• Renal denervation helps to bring drug-resistant hypertension under control, rat study shows
• Barley helps improve blood sugar levels, reduce appetite
• Scientists shed light on how cells with an incorrect number of chromosomes lead to tumor development
• Bacterial molecules discovered in processed foods could unlock key to healthier diets
• Social internet-based activities important for healthy aging
• New promise for diabetics with vitamin D deficiency
• Some heart drugs, antibiotics show effective in fighting cancer
• Tick genome reveals inner workings of a resilient blood-guzzler
• National underutilization of preemptive, early kidney transplants
• Device hits pancreatic tumors hard with toxic 4-drug cocktail, sparing the body
• Researchers identify most dangerous strains of often-deadly bacteria
• Will more states ban nonmedical exemptions for childhood vaccination?
• Arthroscopic knee surgery does not cure sensations of knee catching or locking
• Diabetes drug shown to help body rebuild after heart attack
• Stress could help activate brown fat
• Engineers 3-D-print a new lifelike liver tissue for drug screening
• Physics: It's happening inside your body right now
• Gut environment could reduce severity of malaria
• Common colds at school a primary driver of asthma hospitalizations for children
• Circadian misalignment helps explain higher risk for cardiovascular disease
• Paternal Age: Risk of Offspring With Rare Disease
• Study details molecular mechanism that regulates how the heart pumps blood
• Study examines evolution of cancer
• In autism, there are social benefits of being a girl
• El Niño brings fears of dengue fever outbreaks
• Restricting ketamine would have 'dire consequences' for surgery in low-resource countries, anesthesiologists warn

Common gene variant influences food choices ... for better or worse Posted: 09 Feb 2016 01:24 PM PST Scientists have recently discovered that for girls who are carriers of a particular gene variant (DRD4 VNTR with 7 repeats), the crucial element that influences a child's fat intake is not the gene variant itself. Instead, it is the interplay between the gene and girls' early socioeconomic environment that may determine whether they have increased fat intake or healthier than average eating compared to their peers from the same class background.

Scientists discover how breast cancer cells spread from blood vessels Posted: 09 Feb 2016 11:08 AM PST Researchers have identified a protein that controls how breast cancer cells spread around the body, according to a new study. This study sheds light on how cancer cells leave the blood vessels to travel to a new part of the body, using a technique that allows researchers to map how cancer cells interact and exchange information with cells that make up the blood vessels.

It doesn't 'get better' for some bullied LGBT youths Posted: 09 Feb 2016 11:08 AM PST In the first study to examine the severity of LGBT bullying over time and its impact on mental health, researchers found that while most LGBT teens are experiencing relief in bullying, about a third are experiencing severe victimizations. This harassment and assault will often lead to lasting mental health problems such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Eye abnormalities in infants with microcephaly associated with Zika virus Posted: 09 Feb 2016 11:07 AM PST Vision-threatening eye abnormalities in infants in Brazil with microcephaly (a birth defect characterized by an abnormally small head) may be associated with presumed intrauterine infection with Zika virus, according to a study.

New guideline for treatment of prolonged seizures in children and adults Posted: 09 Feb 2016 11:07 AM PST Status epilepticus -- continuous or rapid sequential seizure activity for 30 minutes or more -- is a medical emergency with a high mortality rate in both children and adults. Prompt and effective treatment is key; therefore the American Epilepsy Society (AES) has released a new guideline to help physicians, hospitals, and health systems treat patients effectively.

Interruption of radiation therapy risks cancer recurrence Posted: 09 Feb 2016 09:23 AM PST Cancer patients who miss two or more radiation therapy sessions have a worse outcome than fully compliant patients, investigators have found. The study evaluated 1,227 patients scheduled for courses of external beam radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck, breast, lung, cervix uterus or rectum from 2007 to 2012.

COPD may cause structural changes within the brain Posted: 09 Feb 2016 09:17 AM PST Patients with COPD demonstrated gray matter decreases in areas of the brain that process breathlessness, fear and sensitivity to pain. The study found patients with COPD show regionally decreased gray matter volume in the anterior, mid, and posterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. Levels of degeneration in certain areas of the brain were also impacted by longer disease duration. Those individuals showed a greater fear of breathlessness and fear of physical activity, which can affect the course of the disease.

A new home, but with no medical home? Study of immigrants' kids with special health needs Posted: 09 Feb 2016 09:17 AM PST They may have made America their new home, but immigrants whose children have special medical needs appear to be having trouble finding a true 'medical home' for their child, a new study finds.

'Molecular movie' opens door to new cancer treatments Posted: 09 Feb 2016 09:17 AM PST An international team of scientists has produced a 'structural movie' revealing the step-by-step creation of an important naturally occurring chemical in the body that plays a role in some cancers.

Link between stress fracture injuries, genes found Posted: 09 Feb 2016 09:15 AM PST Researchers have successfully identified how certain genes can contribute towards a person's susceptibility to stress fracture injuries. This research provides a platform for further research into providing a personalized health approach to this common sports injury.

Wound-healing intestinal bacteria: Like shrubs after a forest fire Posted: 09 Feb 2016 09:15 AM PST In injured mouse intestines, specific types of bacteria step forward to promote healing, scientists have found. Potentially, some of these microbes could be exploited as treatments for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, they say.

Robotically driven system could reduce cost of discovering drug, target interactions Posted: 09 Feb 2016 09:15 AM PST The first robotically driven experimentation system to determine the effects of a large number of drugs on many proteins, reducing the number of necessary experiments by 70 percent, has been created by scientists.

Study compares outcomes at VA hospitals vs. non-VA hospitals Posted: 09 Feb 2016 09:15 AM PST Among older men with heart attack, heart failure or pneumonia, hospitalization at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, compared with hospitalization at non-VA hospitals, was associated with lower 30-day all-cause mortality rates for heart attack and heart failure, and higher 30-day all-cause readmission rates for all three conditions, both nationally and within similar geographic areas, although absolute differences between these outcomes were small, according to a study.

Cutting prison sentences could reduce spread of HIV Posted: 09 Feb 2016 08:24 AM PST Reducing the number of men who go to prison could help curb the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in a community. A new computer model suggests that reducing incarceration in a community may also reduce the number of sexual partners men and women have, therefore reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

Stereotypes about Native Americans and alcohol debunked Posted: 09 Feb 2016 08:04 AM PST In contrast to enduring stories about extraordinarily high rates of alcohol misuse among Native Americans, researchers have found that Native Americans' binge and heavy drinking rates actually match those of whites. The groups differed regarding abstinence: Native Americans were more likely to abstain from alcohol use.

Researchers illuminate 'dark side' of the transcriptome Posted: 09 Feb 2016 08:04 AM PST A new way of mapping the collection of RNA read-outs that are expressed by a cell's active genes has been devised to shed additional light on the role of RNAs in cells. These 'dark' variations in RNA likely have roles in gene regulation across tissues, development, and in human diseases. The team will use the now-free software to interrogate cells in brain disorders, cancers, and other illnesses.

Professors use cadaver DNA to advance genetics literacy in medical curricula Posted: 09 Feb 2016 08:03 AM PST Cadavers have long been one of the most important resources for anatomy teaching in medical school. Now, they are also at the forefront of cutting-edge genetics teaching, thanks to some innovative thinking.

Air pollution exposure during pregnancy linked with asthma risk Posted: 09 Feb 2016 07:54 AM PST Babies born to mothers exposed to air pollution from traffic during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing asthma before the age of six.

Patient access to online health action plans enhances rate of preventive care Posted: 09 Feb 2016 07:54 AM PST Health plan members who accessed their health information online and received timely alerts about potential gaps in care were more likely to receive preventive tests and screenings than those who did not use the service, a large study has demonstrated.

Researchers see helpful protein causing cancer Posted: 09 Feb 2016 07:53 AM PST Researchers have determined how a protein that helps cells fight viruses can also cause genetic mutations that lead to cancer. The research shows how the expression of a protein causes mutations to accumulate in actively replicating DNA. The work is complemented by studies from other researchers that indicate that similar phenomena occur in E. coli cells and sequenced human tumors.

Study shows promising safety results for anti-aging drug Posted: 09 Feb 2016 07:53 AM PST Minimal metabolic side effects have been documented after continuous, long-term treatment with encapsulated rapamycin in a marmoset (monkey) model. Results lead to new research grant to study efficacy.

Conversion of head and neck cancer cells into radiation-resistant cancer stem cells depends on HPV status, study finds Posted: 09 Feb 2016 06:09 AM PST Head and neck cancers that test positive for the human papilloma virus (HPV) are known to respond more favorably to radiation therapy than those that test HPV-negative, but an explanation for these differences has remained elusive.

Nasoalveolar molding use for cleft lip, palate reduces the number of surgeries and cost of care Posted: 09 Feb 2016 06:09 AM PST Patients with complete unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate (U/BCLP) who were treated with nasoalveolar molding (NAM) required fewer surgeries and a reduction in overall healthcare costs compared to similar patients who did not have NAM treatment, according to a study.

Renal denervation helps to bring drug-resistant hypertension under control, rat study shows Posted: 09 Feb 2016 06:08 AM PST Most clinical studies have shown that renal denervation—a procedure that disrupts the nerves in the kidneys and prevents them from relaying signals—can treat drug-resistant hypertension, although a number have shown the procedure to be ineffective. A new study supports that renal denervation can treat hypertension and suggests that failures may be due to incomplete procedure.

Barley helps improve blood sugar levels, reduce appetite Posted: 09 Feb 2016 06:07 AM PST Barley can rapidly improve people's health by reducing blood sugar levels and the risk for diabetes, a recent study shows. The secret lies in the special mixture of dietary fibers found in barley, which can also help reduce people's appetite and risk for cardiovascular disease.

Scientists shed light on how cells with an incorrect number of chromosomes lead to tumor development Posted: 09 Feb 2016 06:07 AM PST Aneuploid cells—that is to say those with an abnormal number of chromosomes—are found in most human tumors. A study on the fly Drosophila reveals how surviving aneuploid cells favour tumor development.

Bacterial molecules discovered in processed foods could unlock key to healthier diets Posted: 09 Feb 2016 06:06 AM PST Our favorite foods could be made healthier thanks to a new technique which has identified harmful bacterial molecules in certain processed foods such as burgers and ready meals. The study identifies a particular kind of contaminating molecule known as 'pathogen-associated molecular patterns' (PAMPs), which are released by certain types of bacteria as they grow during some food processing and refrigeration processes, and may increase our risk of developing conditions such as coronary artery disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Social internet-based activities important for healthy aging Posted: 09 Feb 2016 06:06 AM PST Meaningful and Internet-based activities promote experiences of participation in society and are important for healthy aging. In a new dissertation, occupational therapists are shown to promote participation, reduce experiences of loneliness and strengthen seniors' social network using an Internet-based intervention program.

New promise for diabetics with vitamin D deficiency Posted: 09 Feb 2016 06:04 AM PST A simple change in diet could boost vitamin D levels for millions of Americans suffering from Type 2 diabetes, according to new research.

Some heart drugs, antibiotics show effective in fighting cancer Posted: 09 Feb 2016 06:04 AM PST Drugs that showed promising perspectives in treating cancers have been identified by researchers, according to a recent study. These drugs are normally used to treat other diseases, such as heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, and infections.

Tick genome reveals inner workings of a resilient blood-guzzler Posted: 09 Feb 2016 06:03 AM PST Scientists have sequenced the genome of the tick that transmits Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne illness in North America.

National underutilization of preemptive, early kidney transplants Posted: 08 Feb 2016 06:38 PM PST A kidney transplant is a life-changing and life-saving procedure. Yet, a new study shows that only one-third of patients who ultimately receive a living donor kidney transplant receive it preemptively (i.e., before starting dialysis). Less than two-thirds receive a transplant either preemptively or within a year of starting dialysis.

Device hits pancreatic tumors hard with toxic 4-drug cocktail, sparing the body Posted: 08 Feb 2016 06:38 PM PST An implantable device can deliver a particularly toxic cocktail of drugs directly to pancreatic tumors to stunt their growth or in some cases, shrink them -- all while showing signs that the rest of the body would be spared toxic side effects, report investigators.

Researchers identify most dangerous strains of often-deadly bacteria Posted: 08 Feb 2016 06:38 PM PST For the first time, researchers have determined the genetic makeup of various strains of E. coli, which every year kills hundreds of thousands of people around the world. The study analyzed the DNA of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), which are the strains of the bacteria that cause diarrhea.

Will more states ban nonmedical exemptions for childhood vaccination? Posted: 08 Feb 2016 06:37 PM PST For more than 30 years, Mississippi and West Virginia were the only states in the country that disallowed nonmedical exemptions to mandatory school vaccination laws for religious or philosophical reasons. These exemption laws have provoked debate over the rights of parents versus the responsibility of government to protect public health. Researchers conducted a review of vaccination policies and found policy changes remain controversial and alternatives exist to eliminating nonmedical exemptions entirely.

Arthroscopic knee surgery does not cure sensations of knee catching or locking Posted: 08 Feb 2016 06:36 PM PST A commonly used surgical treatment does not help patients who suffer from 'mechanical symptoms' associated with a degenerative knee, a new Finnish study demonstrates.

Diabetes drug shown to help body rebuild after heart attack Posted: 08 Feb 2016 06:36 PM PST New light has been shed on how a common diabetes drug can be used to aid recovery from a heart attack. Metformin is a cost-efficient drug usually used as a first-line treatment in Type 2 diabetes as it helps to make the body more responsive to insulin.

Stress could help activate brown fat Posted: 08 Feb 2016 06:36 PM PST Mild stress stimulates the activity and heat production by brown fat associated with raised cortisol, according to a study. Brown adipose tissue (BAT), also known as brown fat, is one of two types of fat found in humans and other mammals. Initially only attributed to babies and hibernating mammals, it was discovered in recent years that adults can have brown fat too. Its main function is to generate body heat by burning calories (opposed to white fat, which is a result of storing excess calories. People with a lower body mass index (BMI) therefore have a higher amount of brown fat.

Engineers 3-D-print a new lifelike liver tissue for drug screening Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:30 PM PST A team led by engineers has 3-D-printed a tissue that closely mimics the human liver's sophisticated structure and function. The new model could be used for patient-specific drug screening and disease modeling. Researchers said the advance could help pharmaceutical companies save time and money when developing new drugs.

Physics: It's happening inside your body right now Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:30 PM PST Using a model blood vessel system built on a polymer microchip, researchers have shown that the relative softness of white blood cells determines whether they remain in a dormant state along vessel walls or enter blood circulation to fight infection.

Gut environment could reduce severity of malaria Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:30 PM PST Microorganisms in the gut could play a role in reducing the severity of malaria, according to a new study. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease, and those with the illness often experience fever, chills and flu-like symptoms. It may be fatal if left untreated. Malaria transmissions typically occur in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Common colds at school a primary driver of asthma hospitalizations for children Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:29 PM PST Children with asthma tend to have the worst symptoms at the same times each year -- when school starts in the fall and after extended breaks such as Spring Break. Researchers previously speculated that environmental factors such as air quality in schools might be to blame, but a new study confirms that the primary driver of seasonal waves of worsening asthma symptoms, which can lead to hospitalizations, is the common cold.

Circadian misalignment helps explain higher risk for cardiovascular disease Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:29 PM PST New research may help explain why shift work increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. The study finds that short-term circadian misalignment, resulting from a rapid 12-hour inversion of the sleep/wake and fasting/feeding cycle that is typical in shift workers, leads to adverse cardiovascular and inflammatory consequences in healthy adults.

Paternal Age: Risk of Offspring With Rare Disease Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:29 PM PST Scientists have for the first time been able to identify the origins of some severe disease-causing mutations within the testicles of healthy men. This discovery will help our understanding of how certain serious genetic disorders can occur in the offspring of healthy parents, who do not themselves have the genetic defect.

Study details molecular mechanism that regulates how the heart pumps blood Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:29 PM PST A healthy heart regulates itself so that with each beat, it pumps out as much blood as it receives. In a finding that could lead to new drugs to treat heart failure, researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanism that regulates how the heart pumps blood.

Study examines evolution of cancer Posted: 08 Feb 2016 03:28 PM PST A novel study answers age-old questions about how cancers spread by applying tools from evolutionary biology. The new insights will help scientists better understand the genetic origins of tumor metastases, and lead to more effective targets for treatment, said the researchers.

In autism, there are social benefits of being a girl Posted: 08 Feb 2016 12:17 PM PST Infant girls at risk for autism pay more attention to social cues in faces than infant boys, according to a new study — the first one known to prospectively examine sex-related social differences in at-risk infants.

El Niño brings fears of dengue fever outbreaks Posted: 08 Feb 2016 12:15 PM PST The dengue virus affects 390 million people globally every year, and fears are that early 2016 will see an epidemic, particularly in South-East Asia, due to the predicted extreme intensity of El Niño. A new study has revealed the significant role that this monster climatic phenomenon plays in the outbreak of hemorrhagic fevers.

Restricting ketamine would have 'dire consequences' for surgery in low-resource countries, anesthesiologists warn Posted: 08 Feb 2016 11:07 AM PST Proposals to restrict access to ketamine by making it a "Schedule I" drug would have a major impact on the availability of anesthesia and surgery in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs)—where ketamine is often the only general anesthetic drug available, according to experts.

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