ScienceDaily: Top Health News

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• Fossilized human feces from 14th century contain antibiotic resistance genes
• New study reveals evolution at work: Analyses elucidate a part of the brain particular to primates
• Dual role of brain glycogen revealed by researchers
• Trigger found for most common form of intellectual disability, autism
• Bisphenol A (BPA) at very low levels can adversely affect developing organs in primates
• Prenatal Nicotine Exposure May Lead to ADHD in Future Generations
• Link found between pollutants, certain complications of obesity
• Faster anthrax detection could speed bioterror response
• Math anxiety factors into understanding genetically modified food messages
• Training begins for police officers to control bleeding of mass-casualty victims in the US
• 'Oddball science' has proven worth, biologists say
• Supplement added to standard diet improves health, prolongs life in mice
• Study uncovers why autism is more common in males
• Cancer targeted treatments from space station discoveries
• Researchers X-ray living cancer cells
• Type 1 diabetes: Vitamin D deficiency occurs in early stage
• Computer game characters become more human-like by gossiping and lying
• New search engine delivers content matched to student ability
• Low birth weight reduces ability to metabolize drugs throughout life
• The pain of social exclusion: Physical pain brain circuits activated by 'social pain'
• Why dark chocolate is good for your heart
• Cushing's syndrome: Genetic basis for cortisol excess
• Tooth extraction prior to cardiac surgery may increase risk of adverse outcomes
• Smarter colorectal screening could improve senior health
• Scientists wake up to causes of sleep disruption in Alzheimer's disease
• Over 80s often over-treated for stroke prevention
• 'SuperMum' campaign results in startling improvements in people's handwashing behavior
• One gene influences recovery from traumatic brain injury
• Febrile illnesses in children in Tanzania most often due to viral infections
• Harvested rainwater harbors pathogens
• Father's age tied to higher rates of psychiatric, academic problems in kids
• New mechanism of gene regulation, enzyme use in cells discovered
• Research maze puts images on floor, where rodents look
• African-Americans respond better to rubella vaccine, study shows
• Uninsured parents don't take breastfeeding classes, even though breast is best

Fossilized human feces from 14th century contain antibiotic resistance genes Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:45 PM PST A team of French investigators has discovered viruses containing genes for antibiotic resistance in a fossilized fecal sample from 14th century Belgium, long before antibiotics were used in medicine.

New study reveals evolution at work: Analyses elucidate a part of the brain particular to primates Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:45 PM PST New research reveals some very unique evolutionary innovations in the primate brain. Scientists described the role of microRNAs -- so named because they contain only 22 nucleotides -- in a portion of the brain called the outer subventricular zone. These microRNAs belong to a special category of noncoding genes, which prevent the formation of proteins.

Dual role of brain glycogen revealed by researchers Posted: 27 Feb 2014 11:26 AM PST Key questions regarding the activity of glycogen in neurons are answered in two recently published articles, building on years of research and publications. The authors postulated that glycogen is a lifeguard under oxygen depletion, a condition that leads the brains to shut down and that often occurs at birth and in cerebral infarctions in adults, which leads to severe consequences, such a cerebral paralysis. Their results are the first evidence that neurons constantly store glycogen by accumulating small amounts and using it as quickly as it becomes available. The beneficial and toxic roles of brain glycogen continue to be the main focus on ongoing research.

Trigger found for most common form of intellectual disability, autism Posted: 27 Feb 2014 11:26 AM PST The most common genetic form of mental retardation and autism occurs because of a mechanism that shuts off the gene associated with the disease, new research concludes. The findings also show that a drug that blocks this silencing mechanism can prevent fragile X syndrome -- suggesting similar therapy is possible for 20 other diseases that range from mental retardation to multisystem failure. Fragile X syndrome occurs mostly in boys, causing intellectual disability as well as telltale physical, behavioral and emotional traits.

Bisphenol A (BPA) at very low levels can adversely affect developing organs in primates Posted: 27 Feb 2014 10:48 AM PST Bisphenol A is a chemical that is used in a wide variety of consumer products and exhibits hormone-like properties. Fetuses, infants, children or adults exposed to the chemical have been shown to exhibit numerous abnormalities, including cancer, as well as reproductive, immune and brain-behavior problems. Now, researchers have determined that daily exposure to very low concentrations of Bisphenol A by pregnant females also can cause fetal abnormalities in primates.

Prenatal Nicotine Exposure May Lead to ADHD in Future Generations Posted: 27 Feb 2014 10:47 AM PST Prenatal exposure to nicotine could manifest as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children born a generation later, according to a new study. Researchers have found evidence that ADHD associated with nicotine can be passed across generations. In other words, your child's ADHD might be an environmentally induced health condition inherited from your grandmother, who may have smoked cigarettes during pregnancy a long time ago. And the fact that you never smoked may be irrelevant for your child's ADHD.

Link found between pollutants, certain complications of obesity Posted: 27 Feb 2014 09:55 AM PST A link has been found between a type of pollutant and certain metabolic complications of obesity. The breakthrough could eventually help improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiometabolic risk associated with obesity, such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are human-made chemicals used in agricultural, industrial and manufacturing processes. Due to their toxicity, POPs have been strictly and internationally regulated to ensure public health. However, because they have the ability to resist environmental degradation, POPs can still be found all around the world, even in areas where they have never been used, and remain omnipresent in our environment and food products. Thus, virtually all humans are exposed to POPs daily. In this new research, POPs have been found to accelerate the development of prediabetes and obesity in mice, thereby mimicking the unfavourable cardiometabolic profile characteristic of certain obese individuals.

Faster anthrax detection could speed bioterror response Posted: 27 Feb 2014 09:55 AM PST Shortly following the 9/11 terror attack in 2001, letters containing anthrax spores were mailed around the country killing five people and infecting 17 others. At the time, no testing system was in place to screen the letters. Currently, first responders have tests that can provide results in about 24-48 hours. Now, researchers have tested a new method for anthrax detection that can identify anthrax in only a few hours.

Math anxiety factors into understanding genetically modified food messages Posted: 27 Feb 2014 09:55 AM PST People who feel intimidated by math may be less able to understand messages about genetically modified foods and other health-related information, according to researchers.

Training begins for police officers to control bleeding of mass-casualty victims in the US Posted: 27 Feb 2014 09:55 AM PST Surgeons and first responder organizations have been working to increase the number of survivors of an active shooter or mass casualty incident. An important part of this initiative requires all law enforcement officers to get medical training and equipment to control bleeding, a goal set forth by the Hartford Consensus. THREAT is an acronym for the needed response to mass shooting events, and guides new training: T -- Threat suppression, H -- Hemorrhage control, RE - Rapid Extrication to safety, A -- Assessment by medical providers, and T -- Transport to definitive care.

'Oddball science' has proven worth, biologists say Posted: 27 Feb 2014 09:55 AM PST Scoffing at or cutting funds for basic biological research on unusual animal adaptations from Gila monster venom to snail sex, though politically appealing to some, is short-sighted and only makes it more likely that important economic and social benefits will be missed in the long run, say a group of evolutionary biologists.

Supplement added to standard diet improves health, prolongs life in mice Posted: 27 Feb 2014 09:52 AM PST Activating a protein called Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) extends lifespan, delays the onset of age-related metabolic diseases, and improves general health in mice. The findings point to a potentially promising strategy for improving health and longevity. SIRT1 is known to play an important role in maintaining metabolic balance in multiple tissues, and studies in various organisms have shown that activating the protein can lead to many health benefits. Also, drugs that increase SIRT1 activity have been found to slow the onset of aging and delay age-associated diseases in several animal models.

Study uncovers why autism is more common in males Posted: 27 Feb 2014 09:52 AM PST Males are at greater risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, than females, but the underlying reasons have been unclear. A large cohort study provides compelling evidence in support of the 'female protective model,' which proposes that females require more extreme genetic mutations than do males to push them over the diagnostic threshold for neurodevelopmental disorders. Researchers found that females diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder or ASD had a greater number of harmful CNVs than did males diagnosed with the same disorder. Moreover, females diagnosed with ASD had a greater number of harmful SNVs than did males with ASD. These findings suggest that the female brain requires more extreme genetic alterations than does the male brain to produce symptoms of ASD or neurodevelopmental disorders.

Cancer targeted treatments from space station discoveries Posted: 27 Feb 2014 09:14 AM PST Invasive and systemic cancer treatment is a necessary evil for many people with the devastating diagnosis. These patients endure therapies with ravaging side effects, including nausea, immune suppression, hair loss and even organ failure, in hopes of eradicating cancerous tissues in the body. If treatments targeted a patient's cancerous tissues, it could provide clinicians with an alternative to lessen the delivery of toxic levels of chemotherapy or radiation. Imagine the quality of life from such therapies for patients. Remarkably, research that began in space may soon result in such options here on Earth.

Researchers X-ray living cancer cells Posted: 27 Feb 2014 08:55 AM PST Scientists have carried out the first studies of living biological cells using high-energy X-rays. "The new method for the first time enables us to investigate the internal structures of living cells in their natural environment using hard X-rays,' emphasizes the leader of the working group. "Thanks to the ever-greater resolution of the various investigative techniques, it is increasingly important to know whether the internal structure of the sample changes during sample preparation." In future, the new technique will make it possible to study unchanged living cells at high resolution.

Type 1 diabetes: Vitamin D deficiency occurs in early stage Posted: 27 Feb 2014 08:54 AM PST Low levels of vitamin D are commonly found in people with type 1 diabetes. But even children who have multiple positive islet autoantibodies without manifest type 1 diabetes have lower levels of vitamin D in their blood. This does not appear, however, to influence the progression of the disease from pre-diabetes to diabetes, according to scientists. "Vitamin D deficiency precedes the onset of type 1 diabetes. This may be a consequence of an immune response," one author says. "In the case of prediabetic children, we must therefore be mindful of the risk of vitamin D deficiency and consider recommending vitamin D supplementation at an early stage of type 1 diabetes."

Computer game characters become more human-like by gossiping and lying Posted: 27 Feb 2014 08:52 AM PST Imagine socially intelligent computer game characters with a natural dialogue, human-like in their ways of relating to others, who gossip, manipulate and have their own agendas. New research can make all of this possible.

New search engine delivers content matched to student ability Posted: 27 Feb 2014 08:52 AM PST An Internet search engine developed specifically for schools is being tested as a way to increase reading abilities in challenged students and help motivate intellectual development in gifted students, while saving schools money on textbooks. Complexity Engine uses a sophisticated algorithm to search websites for content and delivers free, customized and age-appropriate reading materials to a user's computer. It promises to give teachers, parents and students an efficient, affordable way to promote reading. Teachers and administrators can set parameters for the search results, and the reading experience can be either student self-directed or guided by the teacher.

Low birth weight reduces ability to metabolize drugs throughout life Posted: 27 Feb 2014 07:11 AM PST Another concern related to low birth weight has been found by researchers: a difference in how the body reacts to drugs, which may last a person's entire life and further complicate treatment of illnesses or diseases that are managed with medications. The findings add to the list of health problems that are already known to correspond to low birth weight, such as a predisposition for adult-onset diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. The implication, researchers say, is that low birth weight may not only cause increased disease, but it may also lessen the effectiveness of the drugs used to treat those diseases.

The pain of social exclusion: Physical pain brain circuits activated by 'social pain' Posted: 27 Feb 2014 07:11 AM PST "Social" pain hurts physically, even when we see it in others. The distress caused by social stimuli (e.g., losing a friend, experiencing an injustice or more in general when a social bond is threatened) activates brain circuits related to physical pain: as observed in a new study. This also applies when we experience this type of pain vicariously as an empathic response (when we see somebody else experiencing it).

Why dark chocolate is good for your heart Posted: 27 Feb 2014 06:21 AM PST It might seem too good to be true, but dark chocolate is good for you and scientists now know why. Dark chocolate helps restore flexibility to arteries while also preventing white blood cells from sticking to the walls of blood vessels. Both arterial stiffness and white blood cell adhesion are known factors that play a significant role in atherosclerosis. What's more, the scientists also found that increasing the flavanol content of dark chocolate did not change this effect.

Cushing's syndrome: Genetic basis for cortisol excess Posted: 27 Feb 2014 06:20 AM PST Cushing's syndrome has been found to be linked to a genetic basis for cortisol excess. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland in response to stressful events, and modulates a whole spectrum of physiological processes. An international research collaboration has now identified genetic mutations that lead to the production and secretion of cortisol in the absence of an underlying stressor. This condition, known as Cushing's syndrome, can be successfully treated by surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland.

Tooth extraction prior to cardiac surgery may increase risk of adverse outcomes Posted: 27 Feb 2014 06:12 AM PST Removing an infected tooth prior to cardiac surgery may increase the risk of major adverse outcomes, including risk of death prior to surgery, even though the practice is relatively routine. This research points to a significant departure from current understanding, guideline and practice, and the authors note that further research is required before recommendations and practice are changed.

Smarter colorectal screening could improve senior health Posted: 27 Feb 2014 06:12 AM PST Age-based colorectal cancer screening guidelines could lead to inappropriate use and contribute to healthy seniors missing out on the preventative tests including colonoscopy. Large health system, Medicare and many private insurers use quality measures to encourage screening among 50- to 75-year-olds. An unhealthy, 75-year-old -- whose life expectancy is estimated at less than five years -- was significantly more likely to undergo screening than a 76-year-old who's in good health, the study found. The study suggests the upper age cut-off could unintentionally discourage screening for these healthy, older individuals, leading them to miss out on the colorectal screenings known to prevent cancer.

Scientists wake up to causes of sleep disruption in Alzheimer's disease Posted: 26 Feb 2014 06:12 PM PST New research using fruit flies with Alzheimer's protein finds that the disease doesn't stop the biological clock ticking but detaches it from the sleep-wake cycle that it usually regulates. Findings could lead to more effective ways to improve sleep patterns in those with Alzheimer's.

Over 80s often over-treated for stroke prevention Posted: 26 Feb 2014 06:12 PM PST People in their 80s are often prescribed drugs to ward off a stroke when the risk of a stroke is not that high and the drugs have other side effects, suggest a new medical article. Statins and antihypertensive drugs were the most commonly prescribed cardiovascular drugs in the UK in 2006. And they are widely prescribed to patients in their 80s to ward off stroke. This is despite the fact that the research shows that, by this age, high blood pressure is not a key contributory risk factor, and high cholesterol has little effect on stroke risk, overall.

'SuperMum' campaign results in startling improvements in people's handwashing behavior Posted: 26 Feb 2014 06:10 PM PST An analysis of a unique "SuperMum" (SuperAmma, www.superamma.org) handwashing campaign shows for the first time that using emotional motivators, such as feelings of disgust and nurture, rather than health messages, can result in significant, long-lasting improvements in people's handwashing behavior, and could in turn help to reduce the risk of infectious diseases.

One gene influences recovery from traumatic brain injury Posted: 26 Feb 2014 02:45 PM PST One change in the sequence of the BDNF gene causes some people to be more impaired by traumatic brain injury than others with comparable wounds, new research shows. The study measured general intelligence in a group of 156 Vietnam War veterans who suffered penetrating head injuries during the war. All of the study subjects had damage to the prefrontal cortex, a brain region behind the forehead that is important to cognitive tasks such as planning, problem-solving, self-restraint and complex thought. The team found that a single polymorphism (a difference in one "letter" of the sequence) in the BDNF gene accounted for significant differences in intelligence among those with similar injuries and comparable intelligence before being injured.

Febrile illnesses in children in Tanzania most often due to viral infections Posted: 26 Feb 2014 02:45 PM PST Most children ill with fever in Tanzania suffer from a viral infection. A research team systematically assessed the causes of febrile illnesses in Tanzanian children. According to the results, in most cases a treatment with antimalarials or antibiotics is not required. The finding has the potential to improve the rational use of antimicrobials, and thus reduce costs and drug resistance.

Harvested rainwater harbors pathogens Posted: 26 Feb 2014 01:53 PM PST South Africa has been financing domestic rainwater harvesting tanks in informal low-income settlements and rural areas in five of that nation's nine provinces. But pathogens inhabit such harvested rainwater, potentially posing a public health hazard, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals, according to a research team. Many of the pathogens are normal fresh water inhabitants, but Salmonella (6% of samples) indicates human fecal contamination, while Yersinia are markers of fecal contamination by wild and domestic animals, according to the report.

Father's age tied to higher rates of psychiatric, academic problems in kids Posted: 26 Feb 2014 01:53 PM PST Advancing paternal age can lead to higher rates of psychiatric and academic problems in offspring than previously estimated. Compared to a children born to a 24-year-old father, children born to a 45-year-old father are 3.5 times more likely to have autism, 13 times more likely to have ADHD, twice as likely to have psychotic disorders and 25 times more likely to have bipolar disorder.

New mechanism of gene regulation, enzyme use in cells discovered Posted: 26 Feb 2014 12:56 PM PST In the cells of humans and other organisms, only a subset of genes are active at any given time, depending largely on the stage of life and the particular duties of the cell. Cells use different molecular mechanisms to orchestrate the activation and deactivation of genes as needed. One central mechanism is an intricate DNA packaging system that either shields genes from activation or exposes them for use. New research now provides additional insight into how cancer cells use the PARP1 enzyme in this process to resist current therapies, and may point to the next generation of cancer drugs.

Research maze puts images on floor, where rodents look Posted: 26 Feb 2014 12:56 PM PST Visual acuity is sharpest for rats and mice when the animals are looking down. Researchers have found that rodents can learn tasks in a fourth to a sixth of the usual number of repetitions when visual stimuli are projected onto the floor of the maze rather than onto the walls. The maze in this study is part real and part virtual. There are actual walls -- often in the shape of a giant piece of farfalle -- but researchers can project any imagery they want onto the floor from below. The use of digital projections makes the maze versatile, but using the floor for projections makes it particularly well-designed for rodent subjects.

African-Americans respond better to rubella vaccine, study shows Posted: 26 Feb 2014 12:55 PM PST Somali Americans develop twice the antibody response to rubella from the current vaccine compared to Caucasians in a new study on individualized aspects of immune response. A non-Somali, African-American cohort ranked next in immune response, still significantly higher than Caucasians, and Hispanic Americans in the study were least responsive to the vaccine.

Uninsured parents don't take breastfeeding classes, even though breast is best Posted: 26 Feb 2014 08:06 AM PST Just 12 percent of parents without insurance coverage take breastfeeding support classes that can offer crucial support and encourage new moms to breastfeed.

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