ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• There goes the neighborhood: Changes in chromosome structure activate cancer-causing genes
• Cancer expert says public health, prevention measures are key to defeating cancer
• Groundbreaking text mining project highlights 'gender gap' in scientific research
• Efficacy of steroid use in late preterm delivery demonstrated
• New kind of stem cell discovered
• PGK1 protein promotes brain tumor formation, cancer metabolism
• Healthy cells 'collaborate' with tumors to help build new blood vessels
• New method for producing heart cells may hold the key to treating heart failure
• 'Broken' heart breakthrough: Researchers reprogram cells to better battle heart failure
• Blocking transfer of calcium to cell's powerhouse selectively kills cancer cells
• Common genetic variant in a tumor suppressor gene linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes
• How many types of neurons are there in the brain?
• Researchers unravel pathways of potent antibodies that fight HIV infection
• Mapping family history can lead more at-risk patients to timely screening
• Novel small-molecule antiviral compound protects monkeys from deadly Ebola virus
• Most teens who misuse prescription stimulants say they use other people's medication
• New biomarker of brain inflammation in early-stage Alzheimer's disease
• New insight into enzyme evolution
• Elders living alone with abuser more likely to endure severe mistreatment
• Modified protein reverses cirrhosis in lab rats
• Using streaming online media to learn new surgical techniques
• Stop signals against protein clumps
• New brain stimulation target identified for Tourette's syndrome
• Desalination plants 'hidden asset' for power, water
• Job market lures more physician assistants to specialties over primary care
• Testing the evolution of resistance by experiment
• Maximum earthquake magnitude for North Turkey
• Chemists devise new approach for rapidly identifying 'legal highs'
• Ultra-fast detection of breast density using MRT helps determine breast cancer risks
• When the stadium is DNA, swapping one spectator may affect the results
• Key brain receptor sheds light on neurological conditions, researchers say
• Improved lifestyle led to decreased cholesterol, less cardiac death
• New research clarifies how stem cells get activated to produce new hair
• Nurse staffing levels key to keeping rehospitalizations down for hip/knee surgery patients
• Why pharmaceutical firms may prefer to invest in drugs over vaccines
• Drug combination slows breast cancer spread

There goes the neighborhood: Changes in chromosome structure activate cancer-causing genes Posted: 03 Mar 2016 12:02 PM PST In a finding with enormous implications for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, scientists have discovered that breaches in looping chromosomal structures known as "insulated neighborhoods" can activate oncogenes capable of fueling aggressive tumor growth.

Cancer expert says public health, prevention measures are key to defeating cancer Posted: 03 Mar 2016 11:59 AM PST Is investment in research to develop new treatments the best approach to controlling cancer? Many people believe that the time is right for another big push to defeat cancer, including President Obama, who called for a major cancer-fighting campaign in his final State of the Union address. But in a new paper, this kind of effort will never cure cancer without public health and prevention.

Groundbreaking text mining project highlights 'gender gap' in scientific research Posted: 03 Mar 2016 11:57 AM PST The sexes can have markedly different responses to the same investigations. Not reporting on the sex and age of animal models could significantly reduce the reliability and reproducibility of studies, and lead to drugs that won't work for half of the population.

Efficacy of steroid use in late preterm delivery demonstrated Posted: 03 Mar 2016 10:35 AM PST Babies born in the late preterm period -- between 34 and 36 weeks gestation -- benefit from the use of antenatal corticosteroids to help mature the baby's lungs, new research shows.

New kind of stem cell discovered Posted: 03 Mar 2016 10:35 AM PST A new kind of stem cell, one that could lead to advances in regenerative medicine as well as offer new ways to study birth defects and other reproductive problems, has been discovered by a team of researchers.

PGK1 protein promotes brain tumor formation, cancer metabolism Posted: 03 Mar 2016 10:35 AM PST PGK1, a glycolytic enzyme, has been found to play a role in coordinating cellular processes crucial to cancer metabolism and brain tumor formation, according to results of a new study.

Healthy cells 'collaborate' with tumors to help build new blood vessels Posted: 03 Mar 2016 10:35 AM PST Healthy cells actively collaborate with tumors by creating a mesh of collagen that encourages cancer cells to build new blood vessels, a new study shows. Researchers found that 'collaborator' cells build a beneficial environment around the tumor which helps it to build the new blood vessels it needs to grow.

New method for producing heart cells may hold the key to treating heart failure Posted: 03 Mar 2016 10:35 AM PST Scientists have discovered how to make a new type of cell that is in between embryonic stem cells and adult heart cells, and that may hold the key to treating heart disease. These induced expandable cardiovascular progenitor cells (ieCPCs) can organically develop into heart cells, while still being able to replicate. When injected into a mouse after a heart attack, the cells improved heart function dramatically.

'Broken' heart breakthrough: Researchers reprogram cells to better battle heart failure Posted: 03 Mar 2016 10:30 AM PST Patients with heart failure often have a buildup of scar tissue that leads to a gradual loss of heart function. In a new study, researchers report significant progress toward a novel approach that could shrink the amount of heart scar tissue while replenishing the supply of healthy heart muscle.

Blocking transfer of calcium to cell's powerhouse selectively kills cancer cells Posted: 03 Mar 2016 10:30 AM PST Inhibiting the transfer of calcium ions into the cell's powerhouse is specifically toxic to cancer cells, suggesting new ways to fight the disease. Calcium addiction by mitochondria is a novel feature of cancer cells. This unexpected dependency on calcium transfer to the mitochondria for the survival of cancer cells surprised the researchers.

Common genetic variant in a tumor suppressor gene linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes Posted: 03 Mar 2016 10:30 AM PST P53, a tumor suppressor referred to as has often been described as the 'guardian of the genome,' may also be the 'guardian of obesity.' New research found that a variant of the gene is heavily implicated in metabolism, which may lead to obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes.

How many types of neurons are there in the brain? Posted: 03 Mar 2016 10:29 AM PST For decades, scientists have struggled to develop a comprehensive census of cell types in the brain. Now, researchers describe powerful new approaches to systematically identify individual classes of neurons in the spinal cord. In doing so, they reveal elements of the underlying circuit architecture through which these neurons shape movement -- and highlight how statistical approaches could provide neuroscientists with a critical tool to quantify the cellular diversity of any region of the brain.

Researchers unravel pathways of potent antibodies that fight HIV infection Posted: 03 Mar 2016 10:29 AM PST One of the most crucial and elusive goals of an effective HIV vaccine is to stimulate antibodies that can attack the virus even as it relentlessly mutates. Now a research team has tracked rare potent antibodies in an HIV-infected individual and determined sequential structures that point to how they developed.

Mapping family history can lead more at-risk patients to timely screening Posted: 03 Mar 2016 09:09 AM PST Most doctors and nurses review a patient's family history to identify risk factors for heart disease and cancer, often through a paper checklist or brief interview. But more deliberate efforts to map a patient's family tree could identify additional risks and drive patients to timely screenings for illnesses that may unknowingly affect them, according to a new study.

Novel small-molecule antiviral compound protects monkeys from deadly Ebola virus Posted: 03 Mar 2016 09:06 AM PST Rhesus monkeys were completely protected from Ebola virus when treated three days after infection with a compound that blocks the virus's ability to replicate. These encouraging preclinical results suggest the compound, known as GS-5734, should be further developed as a potential treatment, according to research findings.

Most teens who misuse prescription stimulants say they use other people's medication Posted: 03 Mar 2016 09:06 AM PST Using someone else's medication is the most common form of prescription stimulant misuse among adolescents, according to a study, which found that 88 percent of teens who used the drugs non-medically in the past 30 days said they had obtained the medications from someone else.

New biomarker of brain inflammation in early-stage Alzheimer's disease Posted: 03 Mar 2016 09:06 AM PST A brain inflammation marker has been identified in patients at early asymptomatic stages of Alzheimer's disease. This secreted marker molecule, which can be measured from cerebrospinal fluid taps, may provide clinicians with a rapidly detectable biomarker for the transition from preclinical Alzheimer's disease to cognitive impairment and progression to full dementia. Such is the conclusion of a multi-center study on a large group of human patients.

New insight into enzyme evolution Posted: 03 Mar 2016 09:06 AM PST How enzymes -- the biological proteins that act as catalysts and help complex reactions occur -- are 'tuned' to work at a particular temperature is described in new research.

Elders living alone with abuser more likely to endure severe mistreatment Posted: 03 Mar 2016 09:06 AM PST A new study examining elder abuse-released has found that older adult victims living alone with their abuser were up to four times more likely to endure more severe levels of mistreatment. The study suggests that the addition of non-perpetrators also living in the home played a protective function to buffer severity.

Modified protein reverses cirrhosis in lab rats Posted: 03 Mar 2016 09:04 AM PST A protein modified to increase the amount of time it circulates in the bloodstream appears to reverse liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in rats, according to results of a study.

Using streaming online media to learn new surgical techniques Posted: 03 Mar 2016 09:04 AM PST A small survey American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery members found that most of them had used online streaming media (i.e., YouTube) at least once to learn a new technique and most had used those techniques in practice, according to an article.

Stop signals against protein clumps Posted: 03 Mar 2016 08:29 AM PST Protein aggregates are deemed to be one reason for the death of nerve cells in disorders such as Alzheimer's or Huntington's disease. Synthesis of faulty protein chains leads to the formation of toxic aggregates, shows new research.

New brain stimulation target identified for Tourette's syndrome Posted: 03 Mar 2016 06:41 AM PST Specifically-targeted deep brain stimulation improves symptoms in patients with severe Tourette's, according to new research. Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, often just called Tourette's, is best known for the vocal and motor tics that are the most common symptoms of the disorder. Usually, these symptoms respond to a growing array of medications. However, some patients experience severe tics that do not respond to medications and may be disabling or even life-threatening. In these rare cases, deep brain stimulation may provide relief.

Desalination plants 'hidden asset' for power, water Posted: 03 Mar 2016 06:40 AM PST Generating hydropower from infrequently used desalination plants would create economic and environmental benefits for our biggest cities, according to new research.

Job market lures more physician assistants to specialties over primary care Posted: 03 Mar 2016 05:48 AM PST The job market is luring more physician assistants, or PAs, to jobs in specialty care rather than primary care practices such as family medicine and general pediatrics, according to new research from Duke Health.

Testing the evolution of resistance by experiment Posted: 03 Mar 2016 05:48 AM PST As scientists look for replacements for our dwindling stock of antibiotics, the evolution of resistance is never far from their minds. A biologist has explored the ability of bacteria to become resistant to a toxin called a bacteriocin by growing them for many generations in the presence of the toxin.

Maximum earthquake magnitude for North Turkey Posted: 03 Mar 2016 05:46 AM PST Geoscientists and natural disaster management experts are well aware of the risk prevailing in the megacity of Istanbul: The Istanbul metropolitan region faces a high probability for a large earthquake in the near future. The question is: how large can such an earthquake be?

Chemists devise new approach for rapidly identifying 'legal highs' Posted: 03 Mar 2016 05:46 AM PST Chemists have developed a new approach which now allows for rapid screening and identification of 'legal highs' or novel psychoactive substances (NPS).

Ultra-fast detection of breast density using MRT helps determine breast cancer risks Posted: 03 Mar 2016 05:46 AM PST A high breast density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer. MRT is the safest method for breast cancer diagnosis and is now used for early diagnosis. Researchers have now successfully developed a method for the exact measurement of breast density using magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) examinations with the Dixon sequence. With this, in addition to a better breast cancer diagnosis, a better assessment of the risk is also possible.

When the stadium is DNA, swapping one spectator may affect the results Posted: 03 Mar 2016 05:43 AM PST Does the fate of the team played with the game of life depend on the fan, who left the stands giving up his seat to someone else? On the sports stadium it would be an event without precedent. Meanwhile, inside the cells of our body it is not uncommon: only a single nucleotide substitution in the inactive DNA fragment may eventually lead to the development of the disease. Finally we know why this is happening.

Key brain receptor sheds light on neurological conditions, researchers say Posted: 03 Mar 2016 05:38 AM PST Researchers have found that a key receptor in the brain, once thought to only strengthen synapses, can also weaken them, offering new insights into the mechanisms driving depression, drug addiction and even Alzheimer's disease.

Improved lifestyle led to decreased cholesterol, less cardiac death Posted: 03 Mar 2016 05:38 AM PST Cholesterol levels -- the most common risk factor for heart attacks -- have decreased in northern Sweden over the last 20 years. Since medical drugs only account for a third of the decrease, the reduced risk of cardiovascular disease is greatly thanks to a change in lifestyle, say authors of a new report.

New research clarifies how stem cells get activated to produce new hair Posted: 02 Mar 2016 05:46 PM PST Stem cells residing in hair follicles are held in an inactive state for long periods of time. A new study shows that these quiescent periods are essential for maintaining the cells' rejuvenating activity over time, and clarifies the mechanisms that bring the cells in and out of quiescence.

Nurse staffing levels key to keeping rehospitalizations down for hip/knee surgery patients Posted: 02 Mar 2016 05:46 PM PST Patients, who undergo elective hip and knee surgery in hospitals with inadequate nurse staffing and poor nurse work environments, are more likely to require re-hospitalization, research indicates.

Why pharmaceutical firms may prefer to invest in drugs over vaccines Posted: 02 Mar 2016 05:45 PM PST When it comes to addressing disease, many industry observers and public health advocates believe that pharmaceutical companies prefer to invest in drugs rather than vaccines, as preventives are perceived to be inherently less profitable. A new study on preventives versus treatments offers a new economic rationale for this trend -- the population risk for diseases resembles a Zipf distribution, where the demand curve for a drug is likely to support stronger revenue extraction from a drug than for a vaccine.

Drug combination slows breast cancer spread Posted: 02 Mar 2016 05:45 PM PST A combination of two drugs delays progression of advanced, aggressive breast cancer by an average of nine months -- working in all subsets of the most common type of breast cancer. The combination -- of a first-in-class targeted drug called palbociclib, and the hormone drug fulvestrant -- slowed cancer growth in around two thirds of women with advanced forms of the most common type of breast cancer.

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