ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

---

• New molecule-building method opens vast realm of chemistry for pharma and other industries
• Immune response to flu causes death in older people, not the virus, study suggests
• Mechanics of a heartbeat are controlled by molecular strut in heart muscle cells
• How immunity to respiratory syncytial virus develops in childhood, deteriorates in adults
• Mortality rate of poor children in the US is in decline
• New genetic risk factors for myopia discovered
• Unique mouse model for studying ALS developed
• Machine learning as good as humans' in cancer surveillance, study shows
• Increasing cases of anaphylaxis among children
• Researchers identify key factor for reprogramming adult cells into stem cells
• New neurodevelopmental syndrome identified
• Cell copying machine: How daughters look like their mothers
• Researchers identify new mechanism to target 'undruggable' cancer gene
• Temporal cues help keep humans looking human
• Link between cognitive decline genes, healthy aging suggested by study
• HIV infection prematurely ages humans by an average of 5 years
• Rituximab is superior to fingolimod for certain patients with multiple sclerosis
• Safety of outpatient hand, shoulder surgeries examined
• Caught in the act: 3-D structure of RNA-modifying protein determined in action
• Finding sleep's sweet spot
• Infectious outbreaks must be combatted strategically, experts argue
• Unique regulatory pattern that promotes essential cell function found
• Facial grading systems for patients with facial paralysis
• No risk association observed for anthracycline chemotherapy, cognitive decline
• No increased risk of fatal cardiovascular events for breast cancer patients on newer hormone therapy
• Unhealthy ozone days could increase by more than a week in coming decades
• Process that drives prostate cancer metastasis uncovered
• Confused cells lead to genetic disorders like heart problems, premature aging
• Do gut microbes shape our evolution?
• Global snapshot of indigenous peoples health released
• Advanced 3-D imaging technique applied for the first time to deadly lung disease
• Metadating: Putting the data into dating
• Discovery could lead to better asthma treatment
• Recycling an anti-hypertensive agent to fight brain tumors
• New insights in how blood vessels increase their size
• Clues to improving wound healing
• Study finds explanation for some treatment-resistant breast cancers
• Does a parent's perception of their child's weight impact on child weight gain?
• Teen moms and infant sleep: Mother doesn't always know best
• Bird genomes contain 'fossils' of parasites that now infect humans
• Research links heart disease with testosterone
• Am I drinking enough? Yes, no, and maybe
• School affects girls' chances of being diagnosed with an eating disorder
• International law fails to protect pregnant women in war zones, argue doctors
• Screening young athletes to prevent sudden cardiac arrest not proven to save lives
• Study establishes lung health response to cement dust exposure
• Improvements in NHS mental health care in England may have helped to reduce suicide rates
• Cellphone principles help microfluidic chip digitize information on living cells

New molecule-building method opens vast realm of chemistry for pharma and other industries Posted: 21 Apr 2016 12:00 PM PDT Scientists have devised a new molecule-building method likely to have a major impact on the pharmaceutical industry and other chemistry-based enterprises. The method allows construction of novel, complex and potentially valuable molecules, starting from a large class of relatively cheap and non-toxic carboxylic acids compounds.

Immune response to flu causes death in older people, not the virus, study suggests Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:58 AM PDT Death from influenza virus in older people may be primarily caused by a damaging immune response to flu and not by the virus itself, new research suggests. The insight could lead to novel strategies for combating flu in the most vulnerable patients, said the researchers.

Mechanics of a heartbeat are controlled by molecular strut in heart muscle cells Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:57 AM PDT Molecular struts called microtubules interact with the heart's contractile machinery to provide mechanical resistance for the beating of the heart, which could provide a better understanding of how microtubules affect the mechanics of the beating heart, and what happens when this goes awry, researchers have found using high-resolution microscopy.

How immunity to respiratory syncytial virus develops in childhood, deteriorates in adults Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:57 AM PDT The leading infectious cause of severe infant respiratory disease, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also a major cause of respiratory illness in the elderly. Approved vaccines do not yet exist, and whilst childhood infection induces partial immunity, individuals remain susceptible to RSV reinfection life-long. A comprehensive characterization of the antibody-response to RSV now advances our understanding of the human immune response against RSV and has implications for vaccine design.

Mortality rate of poor children in the US is in decline Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:15 AM PDT Wealthier individuals have a lower mortality rate than poorer people. The common assumption that this effect has intensified in recent years is rebutted now by a new study. Instead of examining life expectancy at birth, the study looks at the mortality rates by age group in different counties in the USA. The study finds that the mortality rates of disadvantaged children and young adults are falling and are approaching the mortality rates in wealthy areas, while the differences among older people continue to be pronounced.

New genetic risk factors for myopia discovered Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:39 AM PDT Myopia, also known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is the most common disorder affecting the eyesight and it is on the increase. The causes are both genetic and environmental. Experts have now made important progress towards understanding the mechanisms behind the development of the condition.

Unique mouse model for studying ALS developed Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:39 AM PDT A unique mouse model has been developed that will allow researchers around the world to better study the genetic origins and potential treatments for a neurodegenerative brain disease that causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, and frontotemporal dementia.

Machine learning as good as humans' in cancer surveillance, study shows Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:38 AM PDT Machine learning has come of age in public health reporting. Researchers have found that existing algorithms and open source machine learning tools were as good as, or better than, human reviewers in detecting cancer cases using data from free-text pathology reports. The computerized approach was also faster and less resource intensive in comparison to human counterparts.

Increasing cases of anaphylaxis among children Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:38 AM PDT Anaphylaxis, known to be a sudden and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, seems to be increasing among children, according to a new study. The findings reveal that the percentage of emergency department visits due to anaphylaxis doubled over a four-year period.

Researchers identify key factor for reprogramming adult cells into stem cells Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:38 AM PDT Scientists have identified and characterized a biological factor critical to the transformation of adult somatic cells (cells that are not sperm or egg cells) into stem cells.

New neurodevelopmental syndrome identified Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:38 AM PDT A new neurodevelopmental syndrome and the genetic mutation that causes it has been identified by a team of researchers. The discovery was made by performing whole-exome sequencing of patients with an undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder to identify excess spontaneous, or non-inherited, mutations.

Cell copying machine: How daughters look like their mothers Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:36 AM PDT Tiny structures in our cells, called centrioles, control both cell division and motility. The number of these structures is highly monitored, with deviations causing infertility, microcephaly and cancer. A research team has uncovered the mechanism by which mother cells know that they provide the right number of centrioles to their daughters.

Researchers identify new mechanism to target 'undruggable' cancer gene Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:36 AM PDT RAS genes are mutated in more than 30 percent of human cancers and represent one of the most sought-after cancer targets for drug developers. A new study has identified a new mechanism for targeting this important cancer gene.

Temporal cues help keep humans looking human Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:36 AM PDT Researchers used genetically modified bacteria as a model to help explain how a developing animal keeps all of its parts and organs in the same general proportions as every other member of its species. By combining two chemical signals with a few variables, timing cues emerge that can not only create patterns, they can also make sure these patterns have roughly the same proportions from one bacterial colony to the next.

Link between cognitive decline genes, healthy aging suggested by study Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:36 AM PDT An eight-year-long accrual and analysis of the whole genome sequences of healthy elderly people, or 'Wellderly,' has revealed a higher-than-normal presence of genetic variants offering protection from cognitive decline, researchers report.

HIV infection prematurely ages humans by an average of 5 years Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:36 AM PDT Thanks to combination antiretroviral therapy, many people with HIV can be expected to live decades after being infected. Yet doctors have observed that these patients often show signs of premature aging. Now a study has applied a highly accurate biomarker to measure just how much HIV infection ages people at the biological level -- an average of almost 5 years.

Rituximab is superior to fingolimod for certain patients with multiple sclerosis Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:55 AM PDT A new study indicates that rituximab is more effective than fingolimod for preventing relapses in patients with highly active multiple sclerosis switching from treatment with natalizumab. The study included patients infected with JC virus, which is present in approximately 50% of the general population. While the virus generally causes no problems under normal circumstances, it can cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a serious demyelinating disease of the brain, in patients with immune deficiencies due to disease or immunosuppressant drugs.

Safety of outpatient hand, shoulder surgeries examined Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:46 AM PDT A large study of hand and shoulder surgeries performed at a freestanding, outpatient center found few complications -- 0.2 percent in nearly 29,000 patients over an 11-year period.

Caught in the act: 3-D structure of RNA-modifying protein determined in action Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:46 AM PDT The structure of a bacterial RNA-binding protein has been determined in the act of modifying a molecule of RNA, an achievement that provides researchers with a unique view of the protein's function in action and could lead to clues that would help in the fight against the development of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Finding sleep's sweet spot Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:31 AM PDT A new study shows that when it comes to promoting healthy hearts, it's not a matter of getting more sleep. It's a matter of getting adequate sleep at optimal times, say researchers.

Infectious outbreaks must be combatted strategically, experts argue Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:31 AM PDT New funding is not enough to guarantee success against emerging infectious diseases around the world. Rather, good governance, a long-term technology investment strategy and strong product management skills are essential, say researchers.

Unique regulatory pattern that promotes essential cell function found Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:31 AM PDT Scientists and clinicians often encounter road blocks in designing specific treatments for diseases like cancer or developmental disorders because proteins that regulate cell functions through complex mechanisms are misunderstood. A researcher has discovered a novel aspect of a fundamental cellular process that could be a key to overcoming that barrier.

Facial grading systems for patients with facial paralysis Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:28 AM PDT When patients have facial paralysis, many rehabilitation specialists and facial reanimation surgeons use the time-tested Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (FGS) to measure and look for changes in facial function. A new electronic and digitally graded facial measurement scale called eFace was recently created to provide similar information to the Sunnybrook FGS.

No risk association observed for anthracycline chemotherapy, cognitive decline Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:28 AM PDT New data analyses found no association between anthracycline chemotherapy and greater risk of cognitive decline in breast cancer survivors, according to an article. Possible adverse effects of breast cancer treatment on cognitive function have been acknowledged but the risks of specific chemotherapies remain undetermined.

No increased risk of fatal cardiovascular events for breast cancer patients on newer hormone therapy Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:28 AM PDT The use of aromatase inhibitors, hormone-therapy drugs used to treat patients with breast cancer, was not associated with an increased risk of fatal cardiovascular events, including heart attacks or stroke, compared with tamoxifen, another commonly prescribed anti-cancer drug that works on hormones and which has been associated with a serious risk of stroke, report investigators.

Unhealthy ozone days could increase by more than a week in coming decades Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:28 AM PDT If emission rates continue unchecked, regions of the United States could experience between three and nine additional days per year of unhealthy ozone levels by 2050, according to a new study.

Process that drives prostate cancer metastasis uncovered Posted: 21 Apr 2016 07:10 AM PDT A novel function of the gene PLK1 (polo-like kinase 1) has been uncovered that helps prostate cancer cells metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body. This mechanism highlights new potential targets for cancer therapies and challenges the previous understanding of PLK1's role in cancer growth and progression.

Confused cells lead to genetic disorders like heart problems, premature aging Posted: 21 Apr 2016 07:10 AM PDT It has been disorienting to the scientific and medical community as to why different subtle changes in a protein-coding gene causes many different genetic disorders in different patients, including premature aging, nerve problems, heart problems and muscle problems. No other gene works like this. According to a new study, it has to do with cell "commitment."

Do gut microbes shape our evolution? Posted: 21 Apr 2016 07:08 AM PDT Our gut microbes are key to our health, but they may also shape our evolution, according to a new hypothesis. Expanding on the concept of the hologenome -- the host genome together with the genomes of its microbiota -- he argues that the host's microbiota participate in the host's evolution and at times may save a host faced with sudden environmental change by employing rarely used genes to help it adapt and survive.

Global snapshot of indigenous peoples health released Posted: 21 Apr 2016 07:05 AM PDT A world-first study into the health and wellbeing of more than 154 million indigenous and tribal people globally reveals the extent of work that needs to be done if the United Nations is to meet its 2030 goals of ending poverty and inequality.

Advanced 3-D imaging technique applied for the first time to deadly lung disease Posted: 21 Apr 2016 07:05 AM PDT Doctors and scientists have used advanced 3-D X-ray imaging technology to give new insight into the way an aggressive form of lung disease develops in the body.

Metadating: Putting the data into dating Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:59 AM PDT Heart rate, step counts and sleeping patterns may not be the most romantic of topics, but what would happen if you started talking about them on a date?

Discovery could lead to better asthma treatment Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:57 AM PDT Scientists have made a discovery that could lead to improved treatment for asthma sufferers. They have found that blocking a certain signalling molecule can alleviate symptoms such as mucus production, swelling (edema), and constriction of the airways in the lungs.

Recycling an anti-hypertensive agent to fight brain tumors Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:57 AM PDT Treatments available for glioblastoma -- malignant brain tumors -- have little effect. An international collaboration tested active ingredients from existing medications and eventually identified one compound of interest, prazosin, on these tumors. Not only did it seem to be effective in this type of cancer, but it also acted on a signaling pathway that is common with other cancers.

New insights in how blood vessels increase their size Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:57 AM PDT A new study addresses a long standing question in the wider field of developmental biology and tissue patterning in general, and in the vascular biology field in particular: 'What are the fundamental mechanisms controlling size and shape of tubular organ systems'. Whereas the most obvious way to grow a tube in size would be to add more building blocks (by proliferating cells) to enlarge its circumference, or to increase the size of the building blocks (the cells, hypertrophy), an alternative way would be to rearrange existing building blocks.

Clues to improving wound healing Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:57 AM PDT A plant-based polyphenol promotes the migration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in blood circulation and accumulates them in damaged tissues to improve wound healing, scientists have found. It is anticipated that the results will be used for stem cell treatments for cutaneous disorders associated with various damage and lesions.

Study finds explanation for some treatment-resistant breast cancers Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:52 AM PDT Investigators have identified gene alterations that may explain why triple-negative breast cancer is resistant to most existing treatments, and suggests that a targeted therapy currently in clinical development may prove beneficial.

Does a parent's perception of their child's weight impact on child weight gain? Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:52 AM PDT Researchers have conducted a study on the effect the misperception of a child's weight by their parents can have on a child's actual weight. Children whose parents perceived their weight as being 'overweight', as opposed to 'about the right weight', gained more weight (increase in BMI-Z score) from baseline to follow up in all analyses.

Teen moms and infant sleep: Mother doesn't always know best Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:52 AM PDT Sudden unexpected infant death, which includes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), is the leading cause of death in infants 1 month to 1 year of age in the United States. Although the reason is unknown, maternal age less than 20 years is associated with an increased risk of SIDS. In a new study, researchers found that although teenage mothers know the recommendations in regards to safe sleeping practices, many deliberately do not follow those recommendations.

Bird genomes contain 'fossils' of parasites that now infect humans Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:52 AM PDT In rare instances, DNA is known to have jumped from one species to another. If a parasite's DNA jumps to its host's genome, it could leave evidence of that parasitic interaction that could be found millions of years later -- a DNA 'fossil' of sorts. An international research team has discovered a new type of so-called transposable element that occurred in the genomes of certain birds and nematodes.

Research links heart disease with testosterone Posted: 20 Apr 2016 06:13 PM PDT Testosterone might be involved in explaining why men have a greater risk of heart attacks than women of similar age, according to a study.

Am I drinking enough? Yes, no, and maybe Posted: 20 Apr 2016 06:12 PM PDT A new study discusses fluid intake adequacy in detail and a simple tool is reviewed that may help healthy, active, low-risk populations answer the question, "Am I drinking enough?" It turns out, the answer is actually quite complex.

School affects girls' chances of being diagnosed with an eating disorder Posted: 20 Apr 2016 06:11 PM PDT After allowing for other factors, a joint UK-Swedish team finds that the school a girl attends can affect her chance of being diagnosed with an eating disorder. More eating disorders occur in those schools with higher proportions of female students and those where more parents are university educated.

International law fails to protect pregnant women in war zones, argue doctors Posted: 20 Apr 2016 06:11 PM PDT Deaths from violent conflict and lack of available care are major causes of mortality among pregnant women in war zones, warn doctors in a new article.

Screening young athletes to prevent sudden cardiac arrest not proven to save lives Posted: 20 Apr 2016 06:11 PM PDT Young athletes should not undergo screening to prevent sudden cardiac arrest because it is not proven to save lives, suggests an analysis of the available evidence, adding that the harms outweigh any benefits.

Study establishes lung health response to cement dust exposure Posted: 20 Apr 2016 06:11 PM PDT Long-term exposure to cement dust at levels that are comparable to the present occupational exposure limits could cause a decline in lung volumes, according to a new study.

Improvements in NHS mental health care in England may have helped to reduce suicide rates Posted: 20 Apr 2016 06:11 PM PDT Increasing specialist community services like crisis resolution, helping make the transition to adult services smoother for young people, and implementing clinical guidelines are just some of the service changes that are linked to significantly reduced suicide rates in mental health services in England over the last 16 years, according to new research.

Cellphone principles help microfluidic chip digitize information on living cells Posted: 20 Apr 2016 01:29 PM PDT Phone calls and text messages reach you wherever you are because your phone has a unique identifying number that sets you apart from everybody else on the network. Researchers are now using a similar principle to track cells being sorted on microfluidic chips. Microfluidic chips use the unique biophysical or biochemical properties of cells and viruses to separate them.

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