ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Study shows nanoparticles could be used to overcome treatment-resistant breast cancer
• Runners' brains may be more connected, research shows
• Scientists investigate cancer radiotherapy to make improvements
• Early signs of Alzheimer's detected in cerebrospinal fluid
• Common breast cancer mutation could be vulnerable to drug combination
• Zika antibodies from infected patient thwart infection in mice
• Partners play critical role in melanoma exams
• Researchers reveal how cancer can spread even before a tumor develops
• Researchers add to evidence that common bacterial cause of gum disease may drive rheumatoid arthritis
• Cigar warnings: Do teens believe them?
• Engineers develop a new noninvasive method to detect infections in prostheses
• Scientists produce functional heart pacemaker cells
• Challenges in going from residential substance abuse treatment to the community
• Red cabbage microgreens lower 'bad' cholesterol in animal study
• Krembil research prompts rethink on established vision recovery theory
• Creative approach to probing genome identifies genes that likely influence bone strength
• Making (sound) waves in the fight against cancer
• N-acetylcysteine shows early promise in reducing alcohol use in marijuana-dependent teens
• Celebrity chefs have poor food safety practices
• Aspirin slows spread of colon, pancreatic cancer in tumor cells
• Weight, body image misperception associated with alcohol use among teen girls
• Study highlights need for improved, stable eye screening for premature babies
• Skin cells 'crawl' together to heal wounds treated with unique hydrogel layer
• People can control a robotic arm with only their minds
• Two-pronged attack on infectious diseases
• Newly-revealed amino acid function could be used to boost antioxidant levels
• Anti-tumor effect of novel plasma medicine caused by lactate
• The hidden side of sulfur
• Scientists discover new bone-forming growth factor that reverses osteoporosis in mice
• Research identifies a molecular basis for common congenital brain defect
• Subtype of triple negative breast cancer responds better to chemotherapy
• Unexpected activity of two enzymes helps explain why liver cancer drugs fail
• Availability of community-based fitness classes leads to increased activity levels
• Bad combination: Hepatitis C and HIV medications can interact adversely when used together
• Agent of mischief
• Broken shoulder leads to carpal tunnel syndrome surgery study
• New device creates 3D livers in a droplet
• Are we more risk averse as we get older? It's a gray (matter) area, research finds
• Public skepticism would likely greet a new Zika vaccine, study says

Study shows nanoparticles could be used to overcome treatment-resistant breast cancer Posted: 14 Dec 2016 12:17 PM PST Researchers have been able to generate multifunctional RNA nanoparticles that could overcome treatment resistance in breast cancer, potentially making existing treatments more effective in these patients.

Runners' brains may be more connected, research shows Posted: 14 Dec 2016 12:16 PM PST Runners' brains appear to have greater functional connectivity than non-runners' brains, according to new research. MRI scans show that running may affect the structure and function of the brain in ways similar to complex tasks such as playing a musical instrument.

Scientists investigate cancer radiotherapy to make improvements Posted: 14 Dec 2016 12:16 PM PST When tumors are treated with radiotherapy, the benefits can be hijacked by the treatment's counteraction to trigger inflammation and dampen the body's immune response, new research shows.

Early signs of Alzheimer's detected in cerebrospinal fluid Posted: 14 Dec 2016 12:16 PM PST Little is known about the role of the brain's immune system in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have now found an early immune response in individuals with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's: their brain's showed abnormal immune reactions as early as about seven years before the expected onset of dementia.

Common breast cancer mutation could be vulnerable to drug combination Posted: 14 Dec 2016 12:16 PM PST Breast cancer cells that carry a certain gene mutation can be induced to die using a combination of an existing targeted therapy along with an investigational molecule tested by researchers.

Zika antibodies from infected patient thwart infection in mice Posted: 14 Dec 2016 12:16 PM PST Researchers have identified neutralizing antibodies against Zika virus from an infected patient that fully protected mice from infection, adding to the current arsenal of antibodies in development for much needed antiviral therapies and vaccines.

Partners play critical role in melanoma exams Posted: 14 Dec 2016 11:59 AM PST A new study shows the benefits of a partner frequently checking for troublesome moles based on training to do so far outweigh the embarrassment. Study participants who received skin examination training caught far more mole irregularities than those in the control group. They also grew more confident performing the examinations.

Researchers reveal how cancer can spread even before a tumor develops Posted: 14 Dec 2016 11:56 AM PST Researchers have solved the mystery of how deadly breast cancer metastasis forms even without a tumor present.

Researchers add to evidence that common bacterial cause of gum disease may drive rheumatoid arthritis Posted: 14 Dec 2016 11:56 AM PST New evidence suggests that a bacterium known to cause chronic inflammatory gum infections also triggers the inflammatory "autoimmune" response characteristic of chronic, joint-destroying rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The new findings have important implications for prevention and treatment of RA, say the researchers.

Cigar warnings: Do teens believe them? Posted: 14 Dec 2016 08:53 AM PST Significant differences exist in the believability of specific cigar warnings, suggesting that more work is needed to establish the best warnings to dissuade youth from smoking cigars.

Engineers develop a new noninvasive method to detect infections in prostheses Posted: 14 Dec 2016 08:51 AM PST Engineers have developed a new noninvasive method to detect infections in prostheses used for amputees, as well as for knee, hip and other joint replacements. The method, which is at the proof of concept stage, consists of a simple imaging technique and an innovative material to coat the prostheses.

Scientists produce functional heart pacemaker cells Posted: 14 Dec 2016 08:51 AM PST Scientists have developed the first functional pacemaker cells from human stem cells, paving the way for alternate, biological pacemaker therapy.

Challenges in going from residential substance abuse treatment to the community Posted: 14 Dec 2016 08:51 AM PST Residential 'in-patient' treatment for substance abuse is a preferred option for those seeking to recover. However, relapse within the first year following discharge ranges from 37 percent to 56 percent. Engagement in aftercare improves this statistic; only about half use outpatient care, and even fewer stick with it. Researchers explored the factors that hinder and help individuals transition from long-term residential substance abuse treatment centers to the community.

Red cabbage microgreens lower 'bad' cholesterol in animal study Posted: 14 Dec 2016 08:51 AM PST Microgreens are sprouting up everywhere from upscale restaurants to home gardens. They help spruce up old recipes with intense flavors and colors, and are packed with nutrients. Now testing has shown that for mice on a high-fat diet, red cabbage microgreens helped lower their risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease and reduce their weight gain.

Krembil research prompts rethink on established vision recovery theory Posted: 14 Dec 2016 08:50 AM PST A new paper is expected to change the way scientists think about vision recovery after retinal cell transplantation.

Creative approach to probing genome identifies genes that likely influence bone strength Posted: 14 Dec 2016 08:50 AM PST In an important step in the battle against osteoporosis, a serious brittle bone disease that affects millions, researchers have identified more than a dozen genes amid the vast human genome likely responsible for bone density and strength.

Making (sound) waves in the fight against cancer Posted: 14 Dec 2016 08:50 AM PST A study describes the use of focused ultrasound along with particles called nanodroplets for the enhanced detection of cancer biomarkers in the blood. The researchers used the technique on tumors to cause extracellular vesicles to be released into the bloodstream, giving them large amounts of genetic material to analyze from drawing just a small sample of blood. They believe it could be an alternative to a biopsy for cancer diagnostics.

N-acetylcysteine shows early promise in reducing alcohol use in marijuana-dependent teens Posted: 14 Dec 2016 08:50 AM PST N-acetylcysteine (NAC) reduced alcohol use in a small cohort of marijuana-dependent adolescents who exhibited reductions in marijuana use, report researchers. In this secondary analysis of data from an earlier trial of NAC in marijuana-dependent adolescents, researchers show that reduced marijuana use was associated with reductions in alcohol consumption in the NAC-treated, but not placebo-treated teens.

Celebrity chefs have poor food safety practices Posted: 14 Dec 2016 07:07 AM PST Celebrity chefs are cooking up poor food safety habits, according to a new study by food safety experts.

Aspirin slows spread of colon, pancreatic cancer in tumor cells Posted: 14 Dec 2016 07:07 AM PST Aspirin may slow the spread of some types of colon and pancreatic cancer cells, investigators have found. Their study looks at the interaction between aspirin and blood platelets in cancer cells.

Weight, body image misperception associated with alcohol use among teen girls Posted: 14 Dec 2016 07:07 AM PST High school girls with body image behavioral misperceptions are more likely to have had at least one alcoholic drink, as well as engaged in episodes of heavy drinking, than their peers without these misperceptions.

Study highlights need for improved, stable eye screening for premature babies Posted: 14 Dec 2016 06:03 AM PST A survey of neonatal intensive care unit medical directors shows it's getting difficult to make arrangements for premature babies to get their eyes screened by an ophthalmologist.

Skin cells 'crawl' together to heal wounds treated with unique hydrogel layer Posted: 14 Dec 2016 06:03 AM PST Scientist have demonstrated for the first time that their peptide-hydrogel biomaterial prompts skin cells to 'crawl' toward one another, closing chronic, non-healing wounds often associated with diabetes, such as bed sores and foot ulcers.

People can control a robotic arm with only their minds Posted: 14 Dec 2016 05:59 AM PST Researchers have made a major breakthrough that allows people to control a robotic arm using only their minds. The research has the potential to help millions of people who are paralyzed or have neurodegenerative diseases.

Two-pronged attack on infectious diseases Posted: 14 Dec 2016 05:58 AM PST A combination of two potential drugs gives hope of a 'super blockage' of an over-active immune system, researchers report. The breakthrough came from the crystallization of a membrane protein.

Newly-revealed amino acid function could be used to boost antioxidant levels Posted: 14 Dec 2016 05:56 AM PST A Japanese research team has become the first in the world to discover that 2-aminobutyric acid (2-AB) is closely involved in the metabolic regulation of the antioxidant glutathione, and that it can effectively raise levels of glutathione in the body when ingested.

Anti-tumor effect of novel plasma medicine caused by lactate Posted: 14 Dec 2016 05:56 AM PST Researchers have developed cold plasma-activated Ringer's solution for chemotherapy. The solution has anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo that derive from the lactate component.

The hidden side of sulfur Posted: 14 Dec 2016 05:55 AM PST Synthetic organic chemistry consists of transforming existing molecules into new molecular structures or assemblies. These new molecular systems are then used in a myriad of ways in everyday life -- in a wide range of sectors, such as public health, energy and environment, for use in drugs, solar cells, fragrances, and so on. The active element in the molecule that initiates these transformations, known as the catalyst, is often hydrogen. However, a research team has found that a sulfur atom, if carefully inserted into a molecule, can not only become an extremely effective catalyst but can also operate with greater precision.

Scientists discover new bone-forming growth factor that reverses osteoporosis in mice Posted: 13 Dec 2016 07:32 PM PST A team of scientists has discovered a new bone-forming growth factor, Osteolectin (Clec11a), which reverses osteoporosis in mice and has implications for regenerative medicine.

Research identifies a molecular basis for common congenital brain defect Posted: 13 Dec 2016 07:32 PM PST A molecular cause of hydrocephalus, a common, potentially life-threatening birth defect in which the head is enlarged due to excess fluid surrounding the brain, has now been discovered by researchers. Because the same molecule is also implicated in Down's syndrome, the finding may explain the ten-fold increased risk of hydrocephalus in infants born with Down's.

Subtype of triple negative breast cancer responds better to chemotherapy Posted: 13 Dec 2016 02:52 PM PST Researchers have identified a new subtype of triple negative breast cancer that shows significantly improved response to chemotherapy. Patients with the newly defined subtype — BRCA-deficient triple negative breast cancer — had significantly higher survival rates with chemotherapy.

Unexpected activity of two enzymes helps explain why liver cancer drugs fail Posted: 13 Dec 2016 02:49 PM PST Researchers have discovered that lack of two types of enzymes can lead to liver disease and cancer in mice. In human liver tumors, they found that deficiencies in these two enzymes, Shp2 and Pten, are associated with poor prognosis. The study provides a new understanding of liver cancer development, new therapeutic approach and new mouse model for studying the disease.

Availability of community-based fitness classes leads to increased activity levels Posted: 13 Dec 2016 02:49 PM PST Physical inactivity is a global health problem that leads to approximately 3.2 million deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization. Researchers have found that a government-sponsored community activity program in Brazil is improving activity levels of women. The researchers believe the program could be scaled up and adapted to other communities around the world.

Bad combination: Hepatitis C and HIV medications can interact adversely when used together Posted: 13 Dec 2016 02:49 PM PST A pharmacy professor has discovered potential complications when Hepatitis C and HIV drugs are used in combination with additional medications to combat co-infections.

Agent of mischief Posted: 13 Dec 2016 01:45 PM PST Rhabdoid tumors are among the most recalcitrant childhood cancers, and scientists have long sought ways to understand what drives their resilience and makes them impervious to treatment. Now researchers have uncovered a molecular chain of events that interferes with a key mechanism that regulates cell behavior and controls tumor formation.

Broken shoulder leads to carpal tunnel syndrome surgery study Posted: 13 Dec 2016 08:24 AM PST Patients who undergo surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome can regain their typing ability within two or three weeks after the operation. That is the conclusion of a serendipitous research project that came about because a psychologist who studies the automatic response patterns involved in typing broke his shoulder.

New device creates 3D livers in a droplet Posted: 13 Dec 2016 08:23 AM PST Researchers have created a microfluidic device that could lead to faster, more sophisticated, and lower cost methods for screening drugs for liver toxicity – before the drugs are moved into human trials.

Are we more risk averse as we get older? It's a gray (matter) area, research finds Posted: 13 Dec 2016 08:23 AM PST Age itself is not the determining factor in how an individual views or tolerates risk when making decisions; instead, it is the age-related decline in the volume of gray matter in our brains, research shows.

Public skepticism would likely greet a new Zika vaccine, study says Posted: 13 Dec 2016 08:23 AM PST As scientists race to create a vaccine for the Zika virus, new research suggests almost half of Americans wouldn't be interested in getting the shot even if public health officials recommended it for them.

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