ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Transition between arm, hand occurs thanks to a genetic switch
• Reflecting on Ebola outbreak
• New research could personalize medicine for arthritis patients
• Excessive drinkers, high income households pay majority of state alcohol tax increases
• High levels of protein p62 predict liver cancer recurrence
• Researchers identify super-oncogenic protein that promotes development of melanoma
• Fruit fly brains shed light on why we get tired when we stay up too late
• 'Sunscreen' gene may help protect against skin cancer
• Malignancy-associated gene network regulated by RNA binding protein
• Heart defect prediction technology could lead to earlier, more informed treatment
• Why humans (and not mice) are susceptible to Zika
• 'Piggybacking' mitochondrial DNA can compromise mitochondrial replacement therapy
• Antibiotics that kill gut bacteria also stop growth of new brain cells
• Cancer can be combated with reprogrammed macrophage cells
• Lower income families less likely to use online learning tools
• Prediabetes: Fatty liver, visceral obesity, production and action of insulin modulate risk
• Surgical Risk Calculator has good prediction accuracy, new study finds
• Confidence in Iron Dome, coupled with resilience, can reduce PTSD symptoms
• 'Right to try' laws make safety, efficacy secondary to speedy access
• Executive powers in the nursery
• Shedding light on the 'dark matter' of the genome
• Social media poses threat to people with intellectual disabilities
• Vitamin E a potential biomarker for development of brain tumors
• Support from family, friends important to helping prevent depression in teenagers
• Hormone may offer new approach to type 2 diabetes
• Higher survival rate for overweight colorectal cancer patients than normal-weight patients
• Can a healthy lifestyle prevent cancer?
• Doctors changing their approach to common heart attack treatment
• Lyme disease early-detection test is effective, study shows
• Scientists identify 'smoking gun' in metastasis of hybrid cells
• Your gender-stereotypic genes may be giving you a leg up in dating
• Drop in childhood obesity cannot be explained by health behaviors
• A slick way to test artificial knees and hips
• Identification of a chemotherapy resistance factor in breast cancer patients
• Alcohol intervention programs ineffective on fraternity members, study concludes
• Scavenging of inflammatory molecules improves sepsis in mice
• Loss of inflammatory signaling molecule protects mice against diet-induced obesity
• Strategy for depleting immune cells implicated in asthma-associated inflammation
• Arthroscopic hip surgery on the rise, but study shows it may not be the best choice for patients with arthritis
• Researchers describe strategy to develop first broad-spectrum antiviral drug
• Early vaccination might be crucial for growth, health of African children
• Assistive tech to tackle dementia isolation
• First results of the Fr1da Study: 36,000 children already tested for early type 1 diabetes
• New brain-training tool to help people cut drinking
• Should doctors standardize their expressions of sympathy?
• People with ADHD don't receive enough support, Finnish research suggests
• Sleep disorders common in athletes, but easily fixable
• Fighting the Zika virus with the power of supercomputing
• HIV DNA successfully excised from animals
• Tampering the current in a petri dish
• Genes for nose shape found
• Making injectable medicine safer
• Intake of dietary fat in adolescence associated with breast density
• Early-capture HIV study allows for characterization of acute infection period
• How will the next leader of WHO tackle future health emergencies?
• Pregnant mothers may shield unborn young from damage, risk their own mortality

Transition between arm, hand occurs thanks to a genetic switch Posted: 19 May 2016 01:12 PM PDT During embryonic life, the emergence of body limbs is orchestrated by a family of architect genes, which are themselves regulated by two DNA structures. While the first presides over the construction of the arm, the other takes over for the development of the hand. Geneticists show that the same architect proteins, called HOX13 and acting together, complete the formation of the arm and initiate that of the hand, allowing to connect the two processes.

Reflecting on Ebola outbreak Posted: 19 May 2016 12:19 PM PDT To make the world safer against future infectious disease threats, national health systems should be strengthened, the World Health Organization's emergency and outbreak response activities should be consolidated and bolstered, and research and development should be enhanced, says a new article.

New research could personalize medicine for arthritis patients Posted: 19 May 2016 11:48 AM PDT Recently, a team of scientists examined the whole-joint gene expression by RNA sequencing at one day, one, six and 12 weeks after injury. The team used a new, non-invasive tibial compression mouse model of PTOA, that mimics ACL rupture in humans from a single high-impact injury.

Excessive drinkers, high income households pay majority of state alcohol tax increases Posted: 19 May 2016 10:03 AM PDT People who drink too much and those with higher household incomes would pay more following an increase in state alcohol taxes than those who drink less and have lower household incomes, according to a new study.

High levels of protein p62 predict liver cancer recurrence Posted: 19 May 2016 10:02 AM PDT High levels of the protein p62 in human liver samples are strongly associated with cancer recurrence and reduced patient survival, scientists have discovered. In mice, they also found that p62 is required for liver cancer to form.

Researchers identify super-oncogenic protein that promotes development of melanoma Posted: 19 May 2016 10:02 AM PDT A malicious form of ATF2, a protein that drives the formation of melanoma, has been discovered by a research team. In a new study, researchers looked at the oncogenic potential of a 'dead' form of ATF2 in mice with mutations in BRAF, a kinase that transmits signals promoting cell division and is often mutated in pigmented skin cells. The same mutation is found in about half of all human melanomas.

Fruit fly brains shed light on why we get tired when we stay up too late Posted: 19 May 2016 10:01 AM PDT Studying fruit flies, whose sleep is remarkably similar to that in people, researchers say they've identified brain cells that are responsible for why delaying bedtime creates chronic sleepiness.

'Sunscreen' gene may help protect against skin cancer Posted: 19 May 2016 10:01 AM PDT A new study has identified a 'sunscreen' gene that may help stave off skin cancer. Researchers found that the 'UV radiation Resistance Associated Gene' is a tumor suppressor for skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the United States. People who have the mutated UV-resistant gene or low levels of the UV-resistant gene may be at higher risk of melanoma or other skin cancers, especially if they go sunbathing or tanning frequently.

Malignancy-associated gene network regulated by RNA binding protein Posted: 19 May 2016 10:01 AM PDT The RNA binding protein IGF2BP3 is normally active in fetal tissue and undetectable in most adult tissue. But production of the protein is reactivated in many types of aggressive cancer, and it is associated with poor prognosis in both solid tumors and leukemias. New findings point toward a possible mechanism by which this protein drives metastasis.

Heart defect prediction technology could lead to earlier, more informed treatment Posted: 19 May 2016 10:01 AM PDT An experimental model uses genetics-guided biomechanics and patient-derived stem cells to predict what type of inherited heart defect a child will develop, according to authors of a new study. A multi-institutional team developing the technology announces that it would let doctors intervene earlier to help patients manage their conditions and help inform future pharmacologic treatment options.

Why humans (and not mice) are susceptible to Zika Posted: 19 May 2016 10:01 AM PDT Flaviviruses -- such as Zika, dengue, and yellow fever -- have emerged as human pathogens because of their ability to specifically overcome our anti-viral defenses. In the case of Zika, researchers that one of the virus's seven non-structural proteins (NS5) is singularly responsible for blocking the action of interferons (proteins that stop viral replication) in human cells, while mouse cells are unaffected.

'Piggybacking' mitochondrial DNA can compromise mitochondrial replacement therapy Posted: 19 May 2016 10:01 AM PDT Mitochondrial replacement therapy shows promise for preventing the inheritance of mitochondrial DNA diseases. However, small amounts of mitochondrial DNA can sometimes hitch a ride with the transferred nucleus, and a new study shows that this DNA can override the mitochondria in the donor cell. The findings may call into question the beneficial effect of nuclear transfer for mitochondrial replacement therapy.

Antibiotics that kill gut bacteria also stop growth of new brain cells Posted: 19 May 2016 10:01 AM PDT Antibiotics strong enough to kill off gut bacteria can also stop the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus, a section of the brain associated with memory, reports a new study in mice. Researchers also uncovered a clue to why -- a type of white blood cell seems to act as a communicator between the brain, the immune system, and the gut.

Cancer can be combated with reprogrammed macrophage cells Posted: 19 May 2016 09:12 AM PDT Researchers have generated antibodies that reprogram a type of macrophage cell in the tumor, making the immune system better able to recognize and kill tumor cells. The study, say the scientists, could lead to a new therapy and provide a potentially important diagnostic tool for breast cancer and malignant melanoma.

Lower income families less likely to use online learning tools Posted: 19 May 2016 09:11 AM PDT Parents looking to help their children succeed academically can access free online educational programs, games and services to help them outside the classroom. A plethora of these tools have popped up in recent years in an attempt to close the achievement gap and digital divide between the rich and poor. Instead, the gap seems to be getting larger because of these tools, according to a new study.

Prediabetes: Fatty liver, visceral obesity, production and action of insulin modulate risk Posted: 19 May 2016 09:11 AM PDT Prediabetes is associated with increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia and cancer. However, the disease risk considerably varies among subjects. Scientists have now summarized information from the literature and have provided novel data indicating that in future the determination of the 4 major phenotypes fatty liver, visceral obesity and impaired production and action of insulin may help to improve prediction and prevention of cardiometabolic risk in prediabetes.

Surgical Risk Calculator has good prediction accuracy, new study finds Posted: 19 May 2016 09:11 AM PDT The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Surgical Risk Calculator accurately estimates the chance of a patient experiencing postoperative complications, and its performance can improve with recalibration of the tool, according to new research findings.

Confidence in Iron Dome, coupled with resilience, can reduce PTSD symptoms Posted: 19 May 2016 09:11 AM PDT Belief in the success of the Iron Dome air defense system, coupled with a strong sense of resilience (an inner trait that results in positive adaptation to trauma), can reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, suggests a new study examining PTSD symptoms in Israeli civilians following Operation Protective Edge, the Israel-Gaza conflict in 2014.

'Right to try' laws make safety, efficacy secondary to speedy access Posted: 19 May 2016 09:11 AM PDT State 'right to try' laws can give terminally ill patients early access to experimental drugs and medical devices, but they arguably make safety and efficacy secondary to speedy access, according to a new report by science policy experts.

Executive powers in the nursery Posted: 19 May 2016 09:09 AM PDT A baby's cry not only commands our attention, it also rattles our executive functions -- the very neural and cognitive processes we use for making everyday decisions, according to a new study.

Shedding light on the 'dark matter' of the genome Posted: 19 May 2016 09:09 AM PDT What used to be dismissed by many as 'junk DNA' is back with a vengeance as growing data points to the importance of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) -- genome's messages that do not code for proteins -- in development and disease. Researchers have developed a method that enables scientists to explore in depth what ncRNAs do in human cells.

Social media poses threat to people with intellectual disabilities Posted: 19 May 2016 09:09 AM PDT People with intellectual disabilities are more susceptible to exploitation and abuse, and the rise of the internet only increases their vulnerability, say researchers.

Vitamin E a potential biomarker for development of brain tumors Posted: 19 May 2016 09:07 AM PDT Researchers have studied possible causes behind the development of brain tumors. The results show differences in expression of certain molecules known as metabolites when comparing healthy individuals with people who would eventually develop brain tumors. The greatest difference were found when looking at vitamin E.

Support from family, friends important to helping prevent depression in teenagers Posted: 19 May 2016 09:07 AM PDT The importance of friendships and family support in helping prevent depression among teenagers has been highlighted in new research. The study also found that teenagers who had grown up in a difficult family environment were more likely than their peers to be bullied at school.

Hormone may offer new approach to type 2 diabetes Posted: 19 May 2016 09:07 AM PDT Improvements in type 2 diabetes in patients who have had gastric bypass surgery has led researchers to uncover the role of a key hormone in the disease. Development of a drug that promotes the hormone could radically change the way the disease is treated.

Higher survival rate for overweight colorectal cancer patients than normal-weight patients Posted: 19 May 2016 09:07 AM PDT Overweight colorectal cancer patients were 55 percent less likely to die from their cancer than normal-weight patients who have the disease, according to a new study.

Can a healthy lifestyle prevent cancer? Posted: 19 May 2016 09:07 AM PDT A large proportion of cancer cases and deaths among U.S. individuals who are white might be prevented if people quit smoking, avoided heavy drinking, maintained a BMI between 18.5 and 27.5, and got moderate weekly exercise for at least 150 minutes or vigorous exercise for at least 75 minutes, according to a new study.

Doctors changing their approach to common heart attack treatment Posted: 19 May 2016 07:17 AM PDT After a heart attack, doctors are changing practice trends as the debate continues on optimal time to administer antiplatelet therapy, researchers report.

Lyme disease early-detection test is effective, study shows Posted: 19 May 2016 07:10 AM PDT After three years and 300 patients, researchers have proof that their early-detection urine test for Lyme disease works. In the case of Lyme disease, some patients may still have active cases but traditional tests don't register it, and these patients may not be receiving the additional round of treatment they need, authors say.

Scientists identify 'smoking gun' in metastasis of hybrid cells Posted: 19 May 2016 07:10 AM PDT A new study models how cancer hijacks a common cell-signaling network to form hybrid cells that communicate with each other and metastasize in groups.

Your gender-stereotypic genes may be giving you a leg up in dating Posted: 19 May 2016 07:10 AM PDT Your success at speed-dating might be influenced by your genetic make-up and your potential partner's ability to detect so-called 'good genes.' The research team found that participants who were more likely to be asked on a second date had genotypes consistent with personal traits that people often desire in a romantic partner.

Drop in childhood obesity cannot be explained by health behaviors Posted: 19 May 2016 07:07 AM PDT A 2014 study by the CDC showed a decline in the prevalence of obesity among 2- to 5-year-olds between 2003-2004 (a 13 percent child obesity rate) and 2011-2012 (a 7 percent child obesity rate); however, the study can not identify the health and demographic factors linked to the decline.

A slick way to test artificial knees and hips Posted: 19 May 2016 07:07 AM PDT A new study suggests that natural proteins can be used to effectively test new replacement hip and knee joints in the laboratory. The work could help with improving design in order to reduce wear and tear and increase the lifespan of such prosthetics.

Identification of a chemotherapy resistance factor in breast cancer patients Posted: 19 May 2016 07:06 AM PDT Scientists have identified low expression of methylation-controlled J protein (MCJ) as a marker of poor response to chemotherapy.

Alcohol intervention programs ineffective on fraternity members, study concludes Posted: 19 May 2016 07:06 AM PDT Interventions designed to reduce alcohol use among fraternity members are no more effective than no intervention at all, according to an analysis of 25 years of research involving over 6,000 university students.

Scavenging of inflammatory molecules improves sepsis in mice Posted: 19 May 2016 07:05 AM PDT Scientists report on a method to scavenge inflammatory molecules that mediate sepsis in mice in a new report. Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of infection in which the molecules that the body releases to fight an infection trigger widespread inflammatory responses, resulting in damage to multiple organ systems.

Loss of inflammatory signaling molecule protects mice against diet-induced obesity Posted: 19 May 2016 07:05 AM PDT Mice lacking the proinflammatory signaling molecule TAK1 are protected from obesity and insulin resistance induced by a high fat diet, a new study has concluded.

Strategy for depleting immune cells implicated in asthma-associated inflammation Posted: 19 May 2016 07:05 AM PDT Investigators identified human CRTh2 (hCRTh2), a protein expressed on several immune cell populations that are implicated in asthma, as a possible therapeutic target.

Arthroscopic hip surgery on the rise, but study shows it may not be the best choice for patients with arthritis Posted: 19 May 2016 05:26 AM PDT The use of arthroscopic hip surgery for pain relief has increased dramatically in the past decade. A study looking at patient data bases in Florida and California finds it may not be the best option, especially if a patient has arthritis or is over 60. Many needed a hip replacement within two years.

Researchers describe strategy to develop first broad-spectrum antiviral drug Posted: 19 May 2016 05:26 AM PDT By studying the rare person — about one in a million — who can fight off viral infections more effectively than everyone else, investigators have developed a strategy to help the rest of us achieve this enhanced anti-viral state.

Early vaccination might be crucial for growth, health of African children Posted: 19 May 2016 05:25 AM PDT Vaccination of African babies directly after birth seems favorable for their growth and health, while vaccination later in life may have negative effects, show researchers who analyzed the medical data of more than 350,000 African children.

Assistive tech to tackle dementia isolation Posted: 19 May 2016 05:24 AM PDT Moblie and wearable technology used to support independent living for people with dementia could hold the key to cutting social isolation.

First results of the Fr1da Study: 36,000 children already tested for early type 1 diabetes Posted: 19 May 2016 05:24 AM PDT One year after the introduction of the Bavarian pilot project Fr1da, medical researchers have published the first results. None of the 105 children who have been diagnosed with an early stage of type 1 diabetes have suffered from metabolic imbalance so far.

New brain-training tool to help people cut drinking Posted: 19 May 2016 05:24 AM PDT An online exercise featured in the first episode of BBC One's 'Lose Weight for Love' is now available to the public for free to help people who want to cut down on alcohol..

Should doctors standardize their expressions of sympathy? Posted: 19 May 2016 05:24 AM PDT A majority of oncology professionals believe that writing condolence letters to the families of deceased patients is an important component of cancer palliative care, the results of a new survey indicate.

People with ADHD don't receive enough support, Finnish research suggests Posted: 19 May 2016 05:20 AM PDT The aim of a new study was to collect and describe the experiences of Finnish families in which the symptoms of ADHD such as attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsiveness are strongly present. Over 200 families participated in the study sharing their experiences of the support provided by educational, social and health sectors as well as the co-operation between these different bodies.

Sleep disorders common in athletes, but easily fixable Posted: 19 May 2016 05:20 AM PDT Professional athletes suffer from sleep disorders more frequently than generally thought, however, systematic examination, counseling and individual treatment planning can improve the quality of their sleep. A new Finnish study clearly shows for the first time that systematic measures can improve the sleep of professional athletes.

Fighting the Zika virus with the power of supercomputing Posted: 19 May 2016 05:18 AM PDT A new international project is aiming to identify potential drugs to fight the Zika virus, using the supercomputing power of IBM's World Community Grid to dramatically reduce the time it would otherwise take.

HIV DNA successfully excised from animals Posted: 19 May 2016 05:18 AM PDT Using gene editing technology, researchers have, for the first time, successfully excised a segment of HIV-1 DNA -- the virus responsible for AIDS -- from the genomes of living animals. The breakthrough is a critical step in the development of a potentially curative strategy for HIV infection.

Tampering the current in a petri dish Posted: 19 May 2016 05:18 AM PDT A research team has created a simple and inexpensive insert that generates uniform electric field for tissue engineering and other cell studies.

Genes for nose shape found Posted: 19 May 2016 05:18 AM PDT Genes that drive the shape of human noses have now been identified. The four genes mainly affect the width and 'pointiness' of noses which vary greatly between different populations. The new information adds to our understanding of how the human face evolved and may help contribute to forensic DNA technologies that build visual profiles based on an individual's genetic makeup.

Making injectable medicine safer Posted: 19 May 2016 05:18 AM PDT Bring the drugs, hold the suds. That summarizes a promising new drug-making technique designed to reduce serious allergic reactions and other side effects from anti-cancer medicine, testosterone and other drugs that are administered with a needle.

Intake of dietary fat in adolescence associated with breast density Posted: 19 May 2016 05:18 AM PDT Consuming high amounts of saturated fat or low amounts of mono- and polyunsaturated fats as an adolescent was associated with higher breast density in young adulthood, investigators have found. Breast density is a risk factor for breast cancer.

Early-capture HIV study allows for characterization of acute infection period Posted: 18 May 2016 07:06 PM PDT Scientists have enrolled and intensively followed a cohort of high-risk individuals, tracking their HIV status and characterizing the disease through the acute stages of HIV infection.

How will the next leader of WHO tackle future health emergencies? Posted: 18 May 2016 07:06 PM PDT In light of heavy criticism of the World Health Organization's handling of the Ebola outbreak, the election process for the next director general will be under intense scrutiny, say experts in a new article.

Pregnant mothers may shield unborn young from damage, risk their own mortality Posted: 18 May 2016 07:06 PM PDT Mammals can protect their unborn young from harmful chemicals in their blood even at the expense of their own survival odds, a study into mongooses suggests.

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