ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Smoking cessation medications do not appear to increase risk of neuropsychiatric side effects, study finds
• Cell death mechanism may, paradoxically, enable aggressive pancreatic cells to live on
• Genes that control smooth muscle contraction identified
• Researchers develop magnifying smartphone screen app for visually impaired
• How skeletal stem cells form the blueprint of the face
• Changing the world, one fridge at a time
• Critical to screen patients with rheumatoid arthritis for hearing impairment
• Gateway to the brain
• Cpf1: CRISPR-enzyme scissors cutting both RNA and DNA
• Researchers uncover 'local heroes' of immune system
• DNA barcodes gone wild
• Successful laboratory test of photoswitchable anti-tumor agent
• Bourbon or rye? You can't tell the difference, new study says
• Drug-overdose deaths hold steady in some high drug trafficking areas
• Fructose alters hundreds of brain genes, which can lead to a wide range of diseases
• Blood pressure targets for individuals with kidney disease should consider patients' age
• Higher muscle mass associated with lower mortality risk in people with heart disease
• Rainforest study shows biodiversity loss worse than anticipated
• Finding the Genetic Cause for Intellectual disability
• Single molecule electronic DNA sequencing advanced
• Gender stereotyping may start as young as three months, study of babies' cries shows
• Blood transfusions in high risk malaria zones could be made safer with new blood treatment technology
• Inspirational managers may harm workers' health
• Sleep loss detrimental to blood vessels
• Infant BMI is good predictor of obesity at age two
• Study of chimpanzees explores early origins of human hand dexterity
• Organ recipients with previous cancers linked to higher death rates, new cancers
• Longitudinal trial of safety, efficacy of calcium supplement used to enhance bone mineral density
• Study points to how low-income, resource-poor communities can reduce substance abuse
• New study shows electronic health records often capture incomplete mental health data
• Study links neighborhood greenness to reduction in chronic diseases
• In child heart patients, novel approach improves symptoms of hazardous lymph blockage
• Researchers find moderate vascular risk in southwest native population
• Immune cells in organ cavities play essential role in fast tissue repair
• Young adult survivors of childhood cancer report feeling middle-aged
• The importance of resting phases in B cell development
• CD2 molecule trigger cancer recognition in natural killer cells
• Powerful genetic regulator identified as risk factor for schizophrenia
• Gates of serotonin: Cracking the workings of a notorious receptor
• Fungi must die: Scientists have figured out how to deal with fungal resistance to antimycotic drugs

Smoking cessation medications do not appear to increase risk of neuropsychiatric side effects, study finds Posted: 22 Apr 2016 05:10 PM PDT The smoking cessation medications varenicline and bupropion do not appear to increase the incidence of serious neuropsychiatric side effects compared to placebo, according to a new study.

Cell death mechanism may, paradoxically, enable aggressive pancreatic cells to live on Posted: 22 Apr 2016 11:12 AM PDT The most aggressive form of pancreatic cancer -- often described as one of the hardest malignancies to diagnose and treat -- thrives in the presence of neighboring tumor cells undergoing a particular form of 'orchestrated cell death,' according to a major study.

Genes that control smooth muscle contraction identified Posted: 22 Apr 2016 11:12 AM PDT A new molecular pathway has been identified that is critical for maintaining the smooth muscle tone that allows the passage of materials through the digestive system.

Researchers develop magnifying smartphone screen app for visually impaired Posted: 22 Apr 2016 11:12 AM PDT A smartphone application that projects a magnified smartphone screen to Google Glass has been developed, which allows users to navigate using head movements to view a corresponding portion of the magnified screen. They have shown that the technology can potentially benefit low-vision users, many of whom find the smartphone's built-in zoom feature to be difficult to use due to the loss of context.

How skeletal stem cells form the blueprint of the face Posted: 22 Apr 2016 08:56 AM PDT Timing is everything when it comes to the development of the vertebrate face. In a new study, researchers have identified the roles of key molecular signals that control this critical timing.

Changing the world, one fridge at a time Posted: 22 Apr 2016 08:55 AM PDT To help change the world, have a look inside your fridge -- this is one of the messages contained in a new article. Food waste has attained monumental proportions in both the developed and developing worlds, and the sum of individual consumer's actions can have major impacts on a global scale, according to the article's author.

Critical to screen patients with rheumatoid arthritis for hearing impairment Posted: 22 Apr 2016 08:55 AM PDT The objective of a new review is to evaluate published clinical reports related to hearing impairment in patients with RA. Furthermore, researchers discuss possible pathologies and associated factors as well as new treatment modalities.

Gateway to the brain Posted: 22 Apr 2016 08:53 AM PDT Scientists have derived a structural model of a transporter at the blood-brain barrier called Mfsd2a. This is the first molecular model of this critical transporter, and could prove important for the development of therapeutic agents that need to be delivered to the brain --- across the blood-brain barrier. In future, this could help treat neurological disorders such as glioblastoma.

Cpf1: CRISPR-enzyme scissors cutting both RNA and DNA Posted: 22 Apr 2016 08:53 AM PDT Scientists delineate molecular details of a new bacterial CRISPR-Cpf1 system and open possible avenue for alternative gene editing uses like targeting several genes in parallel.

Researchers uncover 'local heroes' of immune system Posted: 22 Apr 2016 08:53 AM PDT The genes Hobit and Blimp1 have been identified, and researchers have found that these genes control a universal molecular program responsible for placing immune cells at the 'front lines' of the body to fight infection and cancer.

DNA barcodes gone wild Posted: 22 Apr 2016 08:53 AM PDT A new technology has been developed that can stitch together DNA barcodes inside a cell to simultaneously search amongst millions of protein pairs for protein interactions, report scientists.

Successful laboratory test of photoswitchable anti-tumor agent Posted: 22 Apr 2016 06:19 AM PDT Photoswitchable agents might reduce side effects of a chemotherapy. So far, photodynamic therapies have been dependent on oxygen in the tissue. But hardly any oxygen exists in malignant, rapidly growing tumors. A group of researchers has now developed a photo-switchable molecule as a basis of an oxygen-independent method.

Bourbon or rye? You can't tell the difference, new study says Posted: 22 Apr 2016 06:19 AM PDT When asked to sort American whiskeys, consumers were more influenced by alcohol content, age at bottling and product brand, a food scientist has found.

Drug-overdose deaths hold steady in some high drug trafficking areas Posted: 22 Apr 2016 06:19 AM PDT Areas in the US with the highest drug-overdose death rates are not always places with high drug trafficking, according to a new analysis. Drug-overdose mortality rates have increased an average of 6.7 percent per year since 1979 but held relatively steady in most US border counties, indicating that drugs appear to pass through these counties without affecting the death rates of their residents.

Fructose alters hundreds of brain genes, which can lead to a wide range of diseases Posted: 22 Apr 2016 06:19 AM PDT Consuming fructose, a sugar that's common in the Western diet, alters hundreds of genes that may be linked to many diseases, life scientists report. However, they discovered good news as well: an important omega-3 fatty acid known as DHA seems to reverse the harmful changes produced by fructose.

Blood pressure targets for individuals with kidney disease should consider patients' age Posted: 22 Apr 2016 05:01 AM PDT Systolic blood pressure levels above 140 mmHg were linked with higher risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and death in patients with chronic kidney disease of all ages, but the magnitude of these associations diminished with more advanced age, report researchers at the end of their study on the topic. Diastolic blood pressure levels below 70 mmHg were associated with a higher risk of death, but otherwise they showed no association with cardiovascular outcomes.

Higher muscle mass associated with lower mortality risk in people with heart disease Posted: 22 Apr 2016 05:00 AM PDT Cardiovascular disease patients who have high muscle mass and low fat mass have a lower mortality risk than those with other body compositions, researchers have found. The findings also suggest that regardless of a person's level of fat mass, a higher level of muscle mass helps reduce the risk of death.

Rainforest study shows biodiversity loss worse than anticipated Posted: 22 Apr 2016 04:54 AM PDT The loss of plant and animal species around the world due to human activities could have been significantly underestimated due to a commonly used scientific method, according to a new study.

Finding the Genetic Cause for Intellectual disability Posted: 22 Apr 2016 04:54 AM PDT Disorders in the same gene PIGG are the cause for intellectual disability with seizures and hypotonia, scientists have discovered. PIGG is one of the enzymes active in the GPI anchor glycolipid synthesis and the current study revealed its significance in the development of the cerebral nervous system.

Single molecule electronic DNA sequencing advanced Posted: 22 Apr 2016 04:52 AM PDT A team reports achieving real-time single molecule electronic DNA sequencing at single-base resolution using a protein nanopore array. The work sets the stage for revolutionary, cost-effective genetic diagnostic platforms with unprecedented potential for precision medicine.

Gender stereotyping may start as young as three months, study of babies' cries shows Posted: 22 Apr 2016 04:52 AM PDT Gender stereotyping may start as young as three months, according to a study of babies' cries. Despite no actual difference in pitch between the voices of girls and boys before puberty, the study found that adults make gender assumptions about babies based on their cries.

Blood transfusions in high risk malaria zones could be made safer with new blood treatment technology Posted: 22 Apr 2016 04:52 AM PDT Patients, especially children, who undergo blood transfusions in sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk of transfusion-transmitted malaria. A new trial suggests that treating donated blood with a new technology that combines UV radiation and vitamin B is safe and could minimize the risk of malaria infection following blood transfusions.

Inspirational managers may harm workers' health Posted: 22 Apr 2016 04:52 AM PDT Managers who inspire their staff to perform above and beyond the call of duty may actually harm their employees' health over time, according to researchers. Transformational leadership has previously been associated with positive employee well-being, better sleep quality, fewer depressive symptoms and reduced general absenteeism in the short term.

Sleep loss detrimental to blood vessels Posted: 22 Apr 2016 04:51 AM PDT Getting too little sleep causes changes in the metabolism of cholesterol, demonstrates a new study. According to the results, long-term sleep loss may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

Infant BMI is good predictor of obesity at age two Posted: 22 Apr 2016 04:51 AM PDT Babies with a high body mass index (BMI) at age two months are at risk for obesity at age two years, say pediatric researchers. The authors say that BMI better predicts early childhood obesity than weight-for-length, the current standard measurement.

Study of chimpanzees explores early origins of human hand dexterity Posted: 22 Apr 2016 04:51 AM PDT Chimpanzees use manipulative dexterity to evaluate and select figs, a vital resource when preferred foods are scarce, according to a new study. The action resembles that of humans shopping for fruits, and the study demonstrates the foraging advantages of opposable fingers and careful manual prehension, or the act of grasping an object with precision. The findings shed new light on the ecological origins of hands with fine motor control.

Organ recipients with previous cancers linked to higher death rates, new cancers Posted: 22 Apr 2016 04:51 AM PDT People who had cancer before receiving an organ transplant were more likely to die of any cause, die of cancer or develop a new cancer than organ recipients who did not previously have cancer, a new paper has found.

Longitudinal trial of safety, efficacy of calcium supplement used to enhance bone mineral density Posted: 21 Apr 2016 02:14 PM PDT A recent study examines the safety and efficacy of a vitamin/mineral enhanced plant-sourced calcium supplement in female consumers who had taken the supplement from 1 to 7 years.

Study points to how low-income, resource-poor communities can reduce substance abuse Posted: 21 Apr 2016 02:13 PM PDT Cocaine use has increased substantially among African Americans in some of the most underserved areas of the United States. Interventions designed to increase connection to and support from non-drug using family and friends, with access to employment, the faith community, and education, are the best ways to reduce substance use among African Americans and other minorities in low-income, resource-poor communities, a study concludes.

New study shows electronic health records often capture incomplete mental health data Posted: 21 Apr 2016 02:13 PM PDT This study compares information available in a typical electronic health record (EHR) with data from insurance claims, focusing on diagnoses, visits, and hospital care for depression and bipolar disorder.

Study links neighborhood greenness to reduction in chronic diseases Posted: 21 Apr 2016 02:13 PM PDT Higher levels of greenness (trees, park space and other vegetation) in neighborhoods is linked with significantly lower chronic illnesses, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, public health researchers has shown. The findings were based on 250,000 Medicare recipients age 65 and vegetation presence measured by NASA satellite imagery.

In child heart patients, novel approach improves symptoms of hazardous lymph blockage Posted: 21 Apr 2016 02:13 PM PDT Pediatric researchers have devised an innovative, safe and minimally invasive procedure that helps relieve rare but potentially life-threatening airway blockages occurring in children who had surgery for congenital heart defects. Physician-researchers developed new imaging tools to treat plastic bronchitis -- in which abnormal circulation causes lymphatic fluid to dry into solid casts that clog a child's airways.

Researchers find moderate vascular risk in southwest native population Posted: 21 Apr 2016 02:13 PM PDT A relatively low prevalence of vascular risk has been reported among participants of the Southwest Heart Mind Study, especially among those treated for hypertension and hyperlipidemia despite overweight and obesity.

Immune cells in organ cavities play essential role in fast tissue repair Posted: 21 Apr 2016 02:12 PM PDT While scientists have known for many years that there are cells living in the cavities surrounding various organs such as the heart, lung and liver, their function has remained unknown. A recent study examined these cells, and discovered they play an integral role in fast tissue repair.

Young adult survivors of childhood cancer report feeling middle-aged Posted: 21 Apr 2016 02:11 PM PDT Do survivors of childhood cancer return to normal health as they grow up? New research finds young adult survivors of childhood cancer, age 18-29, report health-related quality of life that resembles that of adults, 40-49, in the general population, according to a study.

The importance of resting phases in B cell development Posted: 21 Apr 2016 12:00 PM PDT Everyone preparing for the London Marathon likely knows that to perform their best during the event, they need to rest up now. New research describes a new mechanism through which B cells ensure that they rest up between intensive developmental events.

CD2 molecule trigger cancer recognition in natural killer cells Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:39 AM PDT A study reveals a molecule that triggers cancer recognition in natural killer (NK) cells. The study defines an important role for CD2 in stimulating NK cell responses to therapeutic antibodies. The findings pave the way for improving antibody-based cancer immunotherapy and to develop new cell therapy against cancer based on the cytotoxic potential of NK cells.

Powerful genetic regulator identified as risk factor for schizophrenia Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:38 AM PDT By turning skin cells into brain neurons, researchers have identified that certain tiny molecules aiding in gene expression, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), are under-expressed in the brains of the 14 schizophrenia patients they studied.

Gates of serotonin: Cracking the workings of a notorious receptor Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:38 AM PDT Scientists have elucidated for the first time how a notoriously elusive serotonin receptor functions with atom-level detail. The receptor transmits electrical signals in neurons and is involved in various disorders, meaning that the discovery opens the way for new treatments.

Fungi must die: Scientists have figured out how to deal with fungal resistance to antimycotic drugs Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:46 AM PDT Research scientists has demonstrated how it is possible to suppress the resistance of fungi to antifungal drugs. The experiments were conducted on the cells of baker's yeast, a common fungal model object.

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