ScienceDaily: Top Health News

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• Stem cell findings may offer answers for some bladder defects, disease
• Pathogens in cheese: Case study on Austrian curd cheese
• Stem cell study finds source of earliest blood cells during development
• New method can diagnose feared pancreatic cancer
• Diffuse brain damage can occur with no signs of 'concussion' in rats, reports study
• Gene family linked to brain evolution implicated in severity of autism symptoms
• Surprising new way to kill cancer cells
• Obesity, depression linked in teen girls, new study shows
• Cholesterol transporter structure decoded
• Preterm children at increased risk of having math problems
• UV exposure found to lower folate levels in young women
• Homeless with TBI more likely to visit ER
• One-third of UK women might benefit from more frequent mammograms
• Harms outweigh benefits for women aged 70 and over in UK's national breast cancer screening programs
• Genetic factor contributes to forgetfulness
• Genetic evidence for single bacteria cause of sepsis identified for the first time by academic team
• Switching an antibiotic on and off with light
• Playing as black: Avatar race affects white video game players
• 9/11 Linked to Two Heart Disease Culprits: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Potential lung cancer vaccine shows renewed promise
• One-third of kids with obesity 'metabolically healthy,' study shows
• Health insurance coverage increased ER use in Massachusetts
• Not only is she thinner than you, her muscles work better, too: Role of muscle function in maintaining weight
• Humans can distinguish at least one trillion different odors
• Gene silencing instructions acquired through 'molecular memory' tags on chromatin
• Thoughtful people more likely to infer improvements in race relations
• Studies of gut flora in infants, toddlers could lead to better health
• Obesity: Not just what you eat
• Unisex rooms made gender insignificant in army
• Underage youth, adults differ in their alcohol brand preferences
• Deaths from breast cancer fall in Europe, but unexplained differences between countries remain
• Minority disparities evident in prostate cancer survival rate, study shows
• Antibiotic-resistant bacteria among children in U.S. on the rise
• Data on antibiotic use in non-EU countries should stimulate development of action plans

Stem cell findings may offer answers for some bladder defects, disease Posted: 21 Mar 2014 01:48 PM PDT For the first time, scientists have succeeded in coaxing laboratory cultures of human stem cells to develop into the specialized, unique cells needed to repair a patient's defective or diseased bladder. The breakthrough is significant because it provides a pathway to regenerate replacement bladder tissue for patients whose bladders are too small or do not function properly, such as children with spina bifida and adults with spinal cord injuries or bladder cancer.

Pathogens in cheese: Case study on Austrian curd cheese Posted: 21 Mar 2014 08:22 AM PDT In 2009 and 2010 two different strains of the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes were found in traditional Austrian curd cheese known as 'Quargel'. 34 people were infected, and a total of 8 patients died. Experts analyzed the genomes, and concluded that the bacterial strains display distinct properties and entered the food chain independently. The results increase the understanding of outbreaks and their prevention.

Stem cell study finds source of earliest blood cells during development Posted: 21 Mar 2014 07:17 AM PDT Hematopoietic stem cells are now routinely used to treat patients with cancers and other disorders of the blood and immune systems, but researchers knew little about the progenitor cells that give rise to them during embryonic development. Scientists have now created novel cell assays that identified the earliest arising HSC precursors based on their ability to generate all major blood cell types (red blood cells, platelets and immune cells).

New method can diagnose feared pancreatic cancer Posted: 21 Mar 2014 07:16 AM PDT Pancreatic cancer is often detected at a late stage, which results in poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Researchers have now developed a method that identifies the cancer's visible precursors with 97% certainty. The method, which is expected to aid in the early discovery of the cancer as well as minimize the risk of unnecessary surgery, may be introduced in patient care within five years.

Diffuse brain damage can occur with no signs of 'concussion' in rats, reports study Posted: 21 Mar 2014 07:14 AM PDT A standard experimental model of concussion in rats causes substantial brain damage -— but no behavioral changes comparable to those seen in patients with concussion, reports a study. The results highlight the "disconnect" between preclinical and clinical studies of concussion. The study also adds to concerns over the possible long-term effects of repeated, "subconcussive" brain trauma -- causing no concussion symptoms -- in humans.

Gene family linked to brain evolution implicated in severity of autism symptoms Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:55 AM PDT The same gene family that may have helped the human brain become larger and more complex than in any other animal also is linked to the severity of autism. The gene family is made up of over 270 copies of a segment of DNA called DUF1220. DUF1220 codes for a protein domain -- a specific functionally important segment within a protein. The more copies of a specific DUF1220 subtype a person with autism has, the more severe the symptoms, according to a new paper.

Surprising new way to kill cancer cells Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:55 AM PDT Cancer cells -- and not normal cells -- can be killed by eliminating either the FAS receptor, also known as CD95, or its binding component, CD95 ligand, scientists have demonstrated. The discovery seems counterintuitive because CD95 has previously been defined as a tumor suppressor. To confirm the importance of CD95 for the survival of cancer cells in vivo, the researchers removed it from tissues in animal models and found that cancer could not form.

Obesity, depression linked in teen girls, new study shows Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:53 AM PDT Depression and obesity have long been associated, but how they relate over time is less clear. New research shows that adolescent females who experience one of the disorders are at a greater risk for the other as they get older. It is unknown why no associations across time between the two disorders were found in male adolescents, but researchers hypothesize that it could be a result of different developmental processes leading to obesity and depression in males and females.

Cholesterol transporter structure decoded Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:53 AM PDT For the first time, scientists have solved the high-resolution structure of the molecular transporter TSPO, which introduces cholesterol into mitochondria. This protein also serves as a docking site for diagnostic markers and different drugs, such as Valium. The detailed knowledge of its 3-D shape and function opens up new diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives.

Preterm children at increased risk of having math problems Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:53 AM PDT Preterm children are at an increased risk of having general cognitive and mathematic problems, research has concluded. "Teachers should be aware of these children's problems and need to work on ways of math instruction that help preterm children deal with the high cognitive workload and integration of information required for mathematic tasks in school," says a co-author.

UV exposure found to lower folate levels in young women Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:52 AM PDT Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant and taking a folic acid supplement may be at risk of reducing their folate benefit through sun exposure, a new study has warned. Folic acid is a B vitamin that is very important for pregnant women and those planning a baby. Folate is found in foods such as green leafy vegetables like spinach, citrus fruits, legumes, whole grains and vegemite. Folic acid is also added to many foods such as breads, flours and pastas. Folic acid can also be taken as a pill.

Homeless with TBI more likely to visit ER Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:52 AM PDT Homeless and vulnerably housed people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury at some point in their life are more likely to visit an emergency department, be arrested or incarcerated, or be victims of physical assault, new research has found. "Given the high costs of Emergency Department visits and the burden of crime on society, these findings have important public health and criminal justice implications," the researchers write.

One-third of UK women might benefit from more frequent mammograms Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:52 AM PDT A study of over 50,000 women participating in the United Kingdom NHS Breast Screening Programme has found that, while three-yearly screening intervals are appropriate for the majority of women, approximately one third of women are at higher risk of developing cancer and might benefit from more frequent mammograms.

Harms outweigh benefits for women aged 70 and over in UK's national breast cancer screening programs Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:50 AM PDT Extending national breast cancer screening programs to women over the age of 70 does not result in a decrease in the numbers of cancers detected at advanced stages, according to new research. Instead, researchers say that their findings suggest that extending screening programs to older women results in a large proportion of women being over-treated, and at risk from the harmful effects of such treatment, because these women were more likely to die from other causes than from any tumors detected in the early stages of growth.

Genetic factor contributes to forgetfulness Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:50 AM PDT Misplaced your keys? Can't remember someone's name? Didn't notice the stop sign? Those who frequently experience such cognitive lapses now have an explanation. Psychologists have found a connection between such everyday lapses and the DRD2 gene. Those who have a certain variant of this gene are more easily distracted and experience a significantly higher incidence of lapses due to a lack of attention.

Genetic evidence for single bacteria cause of sepsis identified for the first time by academic team Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:48 AM PDT An international team of academics has studied how localized infections can turn into the dangerous systematic disease sepsis – and has identified for the first time through genetic evidence that a single bacteria could be the cause. The study examined the events that lead to sepsis by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), a major human pathogen, in mice. They found that in most cases the bacteria causing sepsis was started by a single pneumococcal cell.

Switching an antibiotic on and off with light Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:48 AM PDT An antibiotic, whose biological activity can be controlled with light, has been produced by researchers. Thanks to the robust diarylethene photoswitch, the antimicrobial effect of the peptide mimetic can be applied in a spatially and temporally specific manner. This might open up new options for the treatment of local infections, as side effects are reduced.

Playing as black: Avatar race affects white video game players Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:47 AM PDT What happens when white video game players see themselves as black characters in a violent game? A new study suggests some disturbing answers. It makes the white players act more aggressively after the game is over, have stronger explicit negative attitudes toward blacks and display stronger implicit attitudes linking blacks to weapons.

9/11 Linked to Two Heart Disease Culprits: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Posted: 20 Mar 2014 06:47 PM PDT High levels of exposure to inhaled particulate matter by first responders at Ground Zero has been linked to the risk of obstructed sleep apnea and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), both conditions that may impact cardiovascular health, researchers say, adding, "as a result of our new study findings, we plan to further closely monitor our WTC first responders for heart disease warning signs."

Potential lung cancer vaccine shows renewed promise Posted: 20 Mar 2014 02:35 PM PDT The investigational cancer vaccine tecemotide, when administered with the chemotherapeutic cisplatin, boosted immune response and reduced the number of tumors in mice with lung cancer, a study has shown. "There aren't any good options for patients with inoperable stage III lung cancer following mainline chemotherapies," said the lead author. "We are looking at tecemotide as a potential maintenance therapy to prolong survival and improve quality of life."

One-third of kids with obesity 'metabolically healthy,' study shows Posted: 20 Mar 2014 02:35 PM PDT Physical activity and diet have positive impact on health, regardless of fat levels, a new study has indicated. "Since most children with obesity find it challenging to lose and maintain weight loss over time, improving metabolic health by being physically active and eating healthfully is an important result in and of itself," the authors state.

Health insurance coverage increased ER use in Massachusetts Posted: 20 Mar 2014 02:35 PM PDT The implementation of health care reform in Massachusetts -- principally the expansion of health insurance coverage to nearly everyone in the state – was associated with a small but consistent increase in emergency department use, according to the findings of a study.

Not only is she thinner than you, her muscles work better, too: Role of muscle function in maintaining weight Posted: 20 Mar 2014 02:34 PM PDT Researchers examined how muscle physiology effects leanness. They found that while rats with 'lean genes' burned a similar amount of calories at rest as those with 'obese genes,' the muscles of lean rats burned much more energy during mild activity. The research sheds new light on the role of muscle function and metabolism in maintaining weight.

Humans can distinguish at least one trillion different odors Posted: 20 Mar 2014 11:07 AM PDT Humans are capable of discriminating at least one trillion different odors, new research shows. Scientists determined that our sense of smell is prepared to recognize this vast olfactory palette after testing individuals' ability to recognize differences between complex odors mixed in the laboratory. It has been said for decades that humans were limited to distinguishing only 10,000 different odors.

Gene silencing instructions acquired through 'molecular memory' tags on chromatin Posted: 20 Mar 2014 10:11 AM PDT One of the mysteries of modern genetics has been solved: how acquired traits can be passed between generations in a process called epigenetic inheritance. The new work finds that cells don't know to silence some genes based on information hardwired into their DNA sequences, but recognize heritable chemical marks that are added to the genes. These chemical tags serve as a form of molecular memory, allowing cells to recognize the genes and remember to silence them again in each new generation.

Thoughtful people more likely to infer improvements in race relations Posted: 20 Mar 2014 09:19 AM PDT According to a recent poll, a majority of Americans believe that there is still at least some racism against African Americans in this country. But new research shows that people are more likely to deny the persistence of racism after being exposed to a successful African American. The study demonstrate that when white people are exposed to images of exceptionally successful blacks, they quickly infer that racial disparity is not due to the persistence of racism, but rather due to shortcomings in the African American Community.

Studies of gut flora in infants, toddlers could lead to better health Posted: 20 Mar 2014 08:19 AM PDT Breastfeeding until at least nine months of age increases prevalence in the gastrointestinal tract of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, species which are known to contribute to development of a healthy immune system, according to a paper describing the establishment of the intestinal microbiota during the first three years of life.

Obesity: Not just what you eat Posted: 20 Mar 2014 08:19 AM PDT To understand how obesity develops, researchers used state-of-the-art technology to analyze the accumulation of fat in the body at the cellular level, and according to their new findings, nutrition is not the most important factor driving obesity. The researchers offer insight into the development of obesity and are now creating a platform to develop new therapies and technologies to prevent or even reverse fat gain.

Unisex rooms made gender insignificant in army Posted: 20 Mar 2014 08:17 AM PDT The researchers behind a new report on gender equality in the Norwegian army describe the phenomenon as "degenderization". When women and men shared the same room, gender was no longer significant.

Underage youth, adults differ in their alcohol brand preferences Posted: 20 Mar 2014 08:17 AM PDT Youth are not merely mimicking the alcohol brand choices of adults, suggesting that other factors may influence their drinking preferences. This is the conclusion of a new report comparing the alcohol brand preferences of underage drinkers and adults.

Deaths from breast cancer fall in Europe, but unexplained differences between countries remain Posted: 20 Mar 2014 07:11 AM PDT Improvements in treatment, as well as enhanced access to care, underlie the sustained decreases in breast cancer mortality seen in 30 European countries from 1989 to 2010. But there are notable variations between different countries that cannot be explained simply by the resources devoted to cancer care, and these differences need to be studied further.

Minority disparities evident in prostate cancer survival rate, study shows Posted: 20 Mar 2014 07:06 AM PDT African-American men are at increased risk for poorer survival rate following prostate cancer treatment compared to other minority groups, a new study found, which reviewed data on more than 290,000 men with prostate cancer from the past 20 years. "Theoretically, if all clinical and demographic variables are the same and people have similar access to treatment, they should have the equal survival rates," says a urologist and co-author of the report. "We found that is not the case."

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria among children in U.S. on the rise Posted: 20 Mar 2014 07:05 AM PDT Infections caused by a specific type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are on the rise in U.S. children, according to new study. While still rare, the bacteria are increasingly found in children of all ages, especially those 1-5 years old, raising concerns about dwindling treatment options. "The overwhelming majority of current research for new pharmaceuticals against antibiotic-resistant organisms are in adults. More research is needed to define risk factors for these infections in children, their prevalence in different settings, and their molecular epidemiology," the researchers note.

Data on antibiotic use in non-EU countries should stimulate development of action plans Posted: 19 Mar 2014 04:58 PM PDT The first ever reliable data on antibiotic use in non-European Union southern and eastern European countries and newly independent states has been published. The authors hope that the findings will aid the development of national action plans to enhance judicious antibiotic use, and curb the rising threat of antibiotic resistance.

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