ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

---

• New microfluidic chip replicates muscle-nerve connection
• Big step towards cure for HIV and other lifelong viral infections
• Clinical trial results support adalimumab treatment for painful skin condition
• The push for more clinical research data sharing is paying off
• Growing up on an Amish farm protects children against asthma by reprogramming immune cells
• Minorities less likely to have knee replacement surgery, more likely to have complications
• Study suggests 'use it or lose it' to defend against memory loss
• Drugs already on market prevent light-induced retinal degeneration in mice
• New dementia app helps memory loss patients find memories
• Contagion in popular places: From Zika to political extremism
• Researchers inhibit tumor growth in new subtype of lung cancer
• Pregnancy procedure may be associated with increased risk of premature birth and neonatal loss
• The keys to a major process in DNA repair
• 'Sandman's' role in sleep control discovered
• The force is strong with embryo cells
• Sprinkling of neural dust opens door to electroceuticals
• Scientists keep a molecule from moving inside nerve cells to prevent cell death
• Novel genetic mutation may lead to the progressive loss of motor function
• Free chrome plugin visualizes PubMed gene, protein, drug and disease connections
• New neurons created through exercise don't cause you to forget old memories
• Consumption of natural estrogens in cow's milk does not affect blood levels or reproductive health
• Researchers shed new light on signals that trigger labor and delivery
• Inosine treatment helps recovery of motor functions after brain injury
• Is there difference in surgical site infection using sterile vs. nonsterile gloves?
• Routinely measured lipids show contrasting associations with risk of coronary artery disease, diabetes
• Why parents are the new 'heroes' in policing young drivers
• Insight into how cancer cells behave abnormally
• Method to study critical HIV protein
• Blood sugar slumps affect how lean men treat the more rotund
• New biochip-based blood test detects elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease
• First next-generation sequencing test for HIV drug resistance could help combat AIDS worldwide
• Microscope imaging system integrates virtual reality technology
• A protective cap for bacterial RNA
• Some pesticides linked to respiratory wheeze in farmers
• Successful treatment of rare forms of obesity
• New cause of immune neuropathy discovered
• Better contrast agents based on nanoparticles
• Forensic research finds bone density affects size of bullet holes
• Next steps towards preventing cancer and Alzheimer's
• From happiness on Twitter to DNA organization
• Gentle cancer treatment using nanoparticles works
• Hospitals that send the most heart patients to the ICU get the worst results, study finds
• Preventing dependency when patients first receive opioids: Say no to refills
• 'Second skin' protects soldiers from biological, chemical agents
• Hysterectomy with ovary conservation doubles odds of hot flashes, night sweats
• Why parents are the new 'heroes' in policing young drivers
• Link found between inflammatory biomarkers, increased heart disease in men with HIV
• Rethinking how HDL protects against coronary heart disease
• Good attitudes about aging help seniors handle stress
• Glucose transporters blocked in bacterial meningitis
• Cricketers' performance plummets without water
• PET imaging of adult neurogenesis may contribute to better diagnosis of depression, evaluation of drug therapy effectiveness
• Breast microbiome/bacterial differences identified between healthy, cancerous tissue
• Gold particles shown to boost prototype cancer therapies
• Infections with the parasitic worm W bancrofti associated with increased risk of HIV infection, according to Tanzanian study
• Rapid bacterial infection test reduces antibiotic use

New microfluidic chip replicates muscle-nerve connection Posted: 03 Aug 2016 06:49 PM PDT Engineers have developed a microfluidic device that replicates the neuromuscular junction -- the vital connection where nerve meets muscle. The device, about the size of a US quarter, contains a single muscle strip and a small set of motor neurons. Researchers can influence and observe the interactions between the two, within a realistic, three-dimensional matrix.

Big step towards cure for HIV and other lifelong viral infections Posted: 03 Aug 2016 06:48 PM PDT New research has taken us a step closer to finding a cure for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as other infections including the glandular fever virus, which is associated with the development of lymphoma. Some infections, such as HIV, cannot be cured with antiviral therapy because the virus effectively hides from the immune system.

Clinical trial results support adalimumab treatment for painful skin condition Posted: 03 Aug 2016 06:43 PM PDT The results of two phase 3 clinical trials that led to FDA approval of adalimumab for treatment of the chronic inflammatory skin disease hidradenitis suppurtiva are now being published. An inhibitor of the inflammatory protein tumor necrosis factor, adalimumab is the first such medication approved to treat the painful skin disorder.

The push for more clinical research data sharing is paying off Posted: 03 Aug 2016 06:43 PM PDT In an ideal medical research landscape, clinical data would quickly be made available to all public and private researchers in the quest to speed up medical advances. The research community is getting closer to that ideal but more work needs to be done.

Growing up on an Amish farm protects children against asthma by reprogramming immune cells Posted: 03 Aug 2016 06:42 PM PDT By probing the differences between two farming communities, an interdisciplinary team of researchers found that substances in the house dust from Amish, but not Hutterite, homes is associated with changes to immune cells that appear to protect children from developing asthma.

Minorities less likely to have knee replacement surgery, more likely to have complications Posted: 03 Aug 2016 01:16 PM PDT Minority populations have lower rates of total knee replacement utilization but higher rates of adverse health outcomes associated with the procedure, according to a new study.

Study suggests 'use it or lose it' to defend against memory loss Posted: 03 Aug 2016 01:16 PM PDT Researchers have identified a protein essential for building memories that appears to predict the progression of memory loss and brain atrophy in Alzheimer's patients. Their findings suggest there is a link between brain activity and the presence of this protein.

Drugs already on market prevent light-induced retinal degeneration in mice Posted: 03 Aug 2016 12:14 PM PDT Combinations of Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs protect against the loss of cells required for vision in a mouse model of the damage caused by blinding retinal diseases, report investigators.

New dementia app helps memory loss patients find memories Posted: 03 Aug 2016 12:14 PM PDT People suffering from Alzheimer's and other forms of age-related dementia sometimes have trouble recognizing friends and family or knowing what to talk about when they visit. A new app offers to help patients stay connected to their memories – and thus to their friends and family – and perhaps will even help them keep a conversation going.

Contagion in popular places: From Zika to political extremism Posted: 03 Aug 2016 12:12 PM PDT The alert is out and South Floridians are taking heed. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issuing a warning for visitors and locals to avoid a neighborhood in Miami after more than a dozen individuals contracted Zika, a new study shows how the flow of visitors through a popular place, such as the affected Wynwood area of Miami, determines the eventual severity and duration of such an outbreak.

Researchers inhibit tumor growth in new subtype of lung cancer Posted: 03 Aug 2016 12:11 PM PDT Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths. Adenocarcinomas, a non-small cell lung cancer, account for about 40 percent of cancer diagnoses, but available treatments are limited. Researchers have identified a subtype of human adenocarcinoma. The research could help determine individuals who are at risk of developing lung tumors that may be amenable to a new therapy to inhibit their progression.

Pregnancy procedure may be associated with increased risk of premature birth and neonatal loss Posted: 03 Aug 2016 11:31 AM PDT Researchers are urging surgeons to reconsider using a particular type of thread for a procedure to prevent premature birth, after new research found this thread was associated with an increased rate of premature birth and baby death compared with a thinner thread.

The keys to a major process in DNA repair Posted: 03 Aug 2016 11:02 AM PDT For the first time, researchers describe in its totality the mechanisms by which DNA damaged by UV radiation is repaired, and how the proteins involved in this process cooperate to ensure its efficiency. This work opens new perspectives not only in the fight against cancer but also in combating certain bacterial infections.

'Sandman's' role in sleep control discovered Posted: 03 Aug 2016 11:01 AM PDT Researchers have discovered what causes the sleep homeostat -- a switch in our brains -- to flip and wake us up. The discovery brings us closer to understanding the mystery of sleep.

The force is strong with embryo cells Posted: 03 Aug 2016 11:01 AM PDT For a cell in an embryo, the secret to becoming part of the baby's body instead of the placenta is to contract more and carry on dancing, scientists have found. The study could one day have implications for assisted reproduction.

Sprinkling of neural dust opens door to electroceuticals Posted: 03 Aug 2016 11:01 AM PDT Monitoring electrical signals from muscles and nerves has become easier with a 1x1x3 mm sensor that can be implanted anywhere in the body, powered and read out by ultrasound. With further miniaturization, these sensors could replace brain electrodes wired through the skull to control prosthetics, but also allow real time monitoring of nerve and muscle activity, or oxygen or metabolite levels. It could eventually be used to stimulate muscles or nerves, e.g. to treat epilepsy.

Scientists keep a molecule from moving inside nerve cells to prevent cell death Posted: 03 Aug 2016 09:45 AM PDT A groundbreaking scientific study has found one way an RNA binding protein may contribute to ALS disease progression.

Novel genetic mutation may lead to the progressive loss of motor function Posted: 03 Aug 2016 09:45 AM PDT Researchers have identified the genetic cause and a possible therapeutic target for a rare form of pediatric progressive neuropathy.

Free chrome plugin visualizes PubMed gene, protein, drug and disease connections Posted: 03 Aug 2016 09:45 AM PDT New text-mining tool helps researchers map connections between genes, proteins, drugs, diseases.

New neurons created through exercise don't cause you to forget old memories Posted: 03 Aug 2016 09:44 AM PDT Research has found that exercise causes more new neurons to be formed in a critical brain region, and contrary to an earlier study, these new neurons do not cause the individual to forget old memories, according to new research.

Consumption of natural estrogens in cow's milk does not affect blood levels or reproductive health Posted: 03 Aug 2016 09:44 AM PDT A new study investigated cow milk's effects on blood hormone levels in adult mice and found that naturally occurring levels, and even levels as high as 100 times the average, had no effect on the mice. The study further determined that only when the mice were given 1,000 times more estrogen than average did it have any impact on reproductive health.

Researchers shed new light on signals that trigger labor and delivery Posted: 03 Aug 2016 09:44 AM PDT In a normal full-term pregnancy, signals from the mature organs of the fetus and the aging placental membranes and placenta prompt the uterus' muscular walls to begin the labor and delivery process. It's still unclear how these signals accomplish this goal or how they reach from the fetal side to the maternal side. A team of researchers has now unlocked key clues in understanding what triggers the birthing process.

Inosine treatment helps recovery of motor functions after brain injury Posted: 03 Aug 2016 09:44 AM PDT Brain tissue can die as the result of stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurodegenerative disease. When the affected area includes the motor cortex, impairment of the fine motor control of the hand can result. Researchers found that inosine, a naturally occurring purine nucleoside that is released by cells in response to metabolic stress, can help to restore motor control after brain injury.

Is there difference in surgical site infection using sterile vs. nonsterile gloves? Posted: 03 Aug 2016 09:44 AM PDT Outpatient cutaneous surgical procedures are common and surgical gloves are standard practice to prevent postoperative surgical site infection. But, is there a difference in SSIs when sterile vs. nonsterile gloves are used for these minor procedures? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the medical literature examined that question, according to a new article.

Routinely measured lipids show contrasting associations with risk of coronary artery disease, diabetes Posted: 03 Aug 2016 09:44 AM PDT An analysis using genetics finds that increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and possibly triglyceride (TG) levels are associated with a lower risk of diabetes, and increased LDL-C and TG levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, according to a study.

Why parents are the new 'heroes' in policing young drivers Posted: 03 Aug 2016 09:07 AM PDT Parents are vital in encouraging their children to obey the road rules and young drivers are keen to show their parents they can be trusted, which means they may hold greater power in enforcing driver restrictions compared with traditional policing, according to new research.

Insight into how cancer cells behave abnormally Posted: 03 Aug 2016 09:01 AM PDT Scientists have shed light on the metabolic switch observed in abnormal cells like cancer. Based on experimental evidence of metabolic oscillations, they show that changes in metabolic state can be described robustly by alterations in the ability of the oscillator to resist external perturbations.

Method to study critical HIV protein Posted: 03 Aug 2016 08:18 AM PDT Researchers are studying a protein called Nef involved in HIV progression to AIDS with the ultimate goal of blocking it. He and his collaborators have developed a new hybrid method to study this HIV protein that compromises the immune system. The method also could work on many other proteins that damage cellular processes and cause diseases.

Blood sugar slumps affect how lean men treat the more rotund Posted: 03 Aug 2016 08:18 AM PDT When slim men suffer bouts of low blood sugar, chances are that they will make unfair decisions involving the more rotund people they engage with in the workplace.

New biochip-based blood test detects elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease Posted: 03 Aug 2016 07:40 AM PDT Researchers today unveiled results from a new blood test to help identify which patients are at an elevated risk of Alzheimer's disease. The findings showed that the biochip test, which allows multiple tests to be run on one blood sample, was as accurate as existing molecular tests that analyze DNA.

First next-generation sequencing test for HIV drug resistance could help combat AIDS worldwide Posted: 03 Aug 2016 07:40 AM PDT New research demonstrates that a first-of-its-kind next-generation sequencing test can detect HIV drug resistance mutations that conventional tests fail to identify. This test could play a critical role in helping clinicians to optimize HIV treatment regimens, while also helping public health initiatives to minimize the development of global resistance to antiretroviral drugs.

Microscope imaging system integrates virtual reality technology Posted: 03 Aug 2016 07:40 AM PDT CaptiView is a microscope image injection system that overlays critical virtual reality imaging directly onto the brain when viewed through the eyepiece during surgery.

A protective cap for bacterial RNA Posted: 03 Aug 2016 07:39 AM PDT Researchers have unraveled the structure and function of bacterial decapping enzyme. These structural investigations open up a new field of research, say the investigators.

Some pesticides linked to respiratory wheeze in farmers Posted: 03 Aug 2016 07:39 AM PDT New research connects several pesticides commonly used by farmers with both allergic and non-allergic wheeze, which can be a sensitive marker for early airway problems.

Successful treatment of rare forms of obesity Posted: 03 Aug 2016 07:39 AM PDT As part of a phase II study, two obese patients with a rare genetic disorder were given a drug treatment to stimulate the satiety center in the brain.

New cause of immune neuropathy discovered Posted: 03 Aug 2016 07:39 AM PDT Wuerzburg neurologists have discovered an antibody that is involved in triggering certain forms of neuropathies. This discovery also allowed them to show a way to treat these diseases successfully.

Better contrast agents based on nanoparticles Posted: 03 Aug 2016 07:39 AM PDT Scientists have developed nanoparticles which can serve as efficient contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. This new type of nanoparticles produce around ten times more contrast than the actual contrast agents and are responsive to specific environments.

Forensic research finds bone density affects size of bullet holes Posted: 03 Aug 2016 07:39 AM PDT A proof-of-concept study finds that the density of bones in the skull affects the size of bullet holes in the skull. The finding is useful for law enforcement officials and medical examiners seeking to identify the caliber of firearms that have been used to commit murder.

Next steps towards preventing cancer and Alzheimer's Posted: 03 Aug 2016 07:39 AM PDT A new generation of drugs that prevent cancer and Alzheimer's could be developed, thanks to a new database of the proteins needed for autophagy.

From happiness on Twitter to DNA organization Posted: 03 Aug 2016 07:37 AM PDT Twitter users who are happy tend to be more connected with other happy users. This is the confirmation of a property of social networks known as assortativity: a measure of to what extent people who tend to connect with each other share certain characteristics. A study has redefined this measure in order to better understand the 3-D organization of DNA inside the cell nucleus.

Gentle cancer treatment using nanoparticles works Posted: 03 Aug 2016 07:37 AM PDT Cancer treatments based on laser irridation of tiny nanoparticles that are injected directly into the cancer tumor are working and can destroy the cancer from within. Researchers have developed a method that kills cancer cells using nanoparticles and lasers. The treatment has been tested on mice and it has been demonstrated that the cancer tumors are considerably damaged.

Hospitals that send the most heart patients to the ICU get the worst results, study finds Posted: 03 Aug 2016 07:37 AM PDT Patients who suffer heart attacks, or flare-ups of congestive heart failure, can be cared for in a variety of hospital locations. But a new study suggests that they'll fare worse in hospitals that rely heavily on their intensive care units to care for patients like them. In fact, depending on where they go, they may be half as likely to get certain proven tests and treatments -- and less likely to survive a month after their hospital stay.

Preventing dependency when patients first receive opioids: Say no to refills Posted: 03 Aug 2016 07:37 AM PDT Clinicians should think twice when prescribing opioid medication to patients for the first time to relieve pain, migraines or severe coughs. To prevent possible addiction, doctors and pharmacists should err on the side of caution when considering dosages or subsequent refills.

'Second skin' protects soldiers from biological, chemical agents Posted: 03 Aug 2016 06:53 AM PDT In work that aims to protect soldiers, a team of scientists has created a material that is highly breathable yet protective from biological agents. This material is the first key component of futuristic smart uniforms that also will respond to and protect from environmental chemical hazards.

Hysterectomy with ovary conservation doubles odds of hot flashes, night sweats Posted: 03 Aug 2016 06:52 AM PDT Hysterectomy doubles the odds of a woman enduring persistent hot flashes and night sweats, even if they retain their ovaries, new research confirms.

Why parents are the new 'heroes' in policing young drivers Posted: 03 Aug 2016 06:52 AM PDT Parents are vital in encouraging their children to obey the road rules and young drivers are keen to show their parents they can be trusted, which means they may hold greater power in enforcing driver restrictions compared with traditional policing, according to new research.

Link found between inflammatory biomarkers, increased heart disease in men with HIV Posted: 03 Aug 2016 06:52 AM PDT A cardiac imaging study uncovers a correlation between the high prevalence of coronary artery disease in men infected with HIV and in increase in inflammatory biomarkers, report researchers.

Rethinking how HDL protects against coronary heart disease Posted: 03 Aug 2016 05:41 AM PDT Researchers have found that medium-sized HDL particles (MS-HDL-P) and the number of HDL particles (HDL-P) are better markers of coronary artery disease than high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The researchers say it is possible to move past HDL-C to measures that better reflect HDL's role in disease risk, and suggest considering incorporation of MS-HDL-P or HDL-P into routine prediction of coronary heart disease.

Good attitudes about aging help seniors handle stress Posted: 03 Aug 2016 05:41 AM PDT Having a positive attitude about aging makes older adults more resilient when faced with stressful situations, new psychology research finds.

Glucose transporters blocked in bacterial meningitis Posted: 03 Aug 2016 04:31 AM PDT Glucose transporters, which transfer glucose from the blood to the brain, are inhibited by E. coli K1 during bacterial meningitis, leaving insufficient fuel for immune cells to fight off infection, report researchers. Their findings may lead to a novel way of treating children with meningitis and reducing long-term neurological problems.

Cricketers' performance plummets without water Posted: 03 Aug 2016 04:29 AM PDT Dehydrated cricket players suffer impaired motor skills that significantly reduce their performance on the field, new research demonstrates.

PET imaging of adult neurogenesis may contribute to better diagnosis of depression, evaluation of drug therapy effectiveness Posted: 03 Aug 2016 04:29 AM PDT A new non-invasive PET scanning technique has been used by researchers to obtain images of neuron proliferation in the subventricular zone and subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus is known to be particularly affected by depression.

Breast microbiome/bacterial differences identified between healthy, cancerous tissue Posted: 03 Aug 2016 04:28 AM PDT Researchers have identified evidence of bacteria in sterilely obtained breast tissue and found differences between women with and without breast cancer.

Gold particles shown to boost prototype cancer therapies Posted: 02 Aug 2016 07:23 PM PDT Gold isn't just for the Olympics -- it's also being used for potential cancer therapies, report scientists. For the first time, a peptide 'zipcode' has been used in combination with gold to improve delivery of a cancer therapy. Research indicates that using gold particles helps reduce unwanted side effects.

Infections with the parasitic worm W bancrofti associated with increased risk of HIV infection, according to Tanzanian study Posted: 02 Aug 2016 04:26 PM PDT People infected with a parasitic worm called Wuchereria bancrofti in areas where HIV is endemic may be more likely to acquire HIV than people who are not infected with the worm, according to a new study in southwest Tanzania.

Rapid bacterial infection test reduces antibiotic use Posted: 02 Aug 2016 04:26 PM PDT A trial of a 5-minute test at ten primary care centres in Vietnam reduced antibiotic use for respiratory infections. The rapid test detects C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of infections caused by bacteria, in patients' blood: low CRP is suggestive of viral infection where antibiotic treatment is not required.

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