Παρασκευή 16 Μαΐου 2014

ScienceDaily: Top Health News

ScienceDaily: Top Health News

How some trypanosomes cause sleeping sickness while others don't

Posted: 15 May 2014 02:35 PM PDT

Trypanosome parasites transmitted by tsetse flies cause devastating diseases in humans and livestock. Different subspecies infect different hosts: Trypanosoma brucei brucei infects cattle but is non-infectious to humans, whereas T. b. gambiense and T. b. rhodesiense cause sleeping sickness in humans. A new study reveals how humans can fight off some trypanosomes but not others.

Land and power: Women discover one can lead to the other

Posted: 15 May 2014 01:38 PM PDT

When women in developing countries own land, they gain power within their relationships and are less likely to experience violence, research demonstrates. Violence against women is not a matter of isolated cases but rather the result of systems of power, and it can change when the power relationship changes, the researchers found. "In order to address rates of violence against women we need to address the structure of inequities," she added.

Vet study reveals Salmonella's hideout strategy

Posted: 15 May 2014 01:38 PM PDT

A study reveals how some Salmonella bacteria hide from the immune system, allowing them to persist and cause systemic infection. The study addresses both questions, focusing on a component of the innate immune response called the inflammasome. Consisting of a complex of proteins that triggers the release of signaling molecules, the inflammasome serves to recruit other components of the immune system that can fight off the pathogen.

Ophthalmology studies focus on glaucoma medication adherence

Posted: 15 May 2014 01:38 PM PDT

Electronic monitoring to measure medication adherence by patients with glaucoma documented that a sizable number of patients did not regularly use the eye drops prescribed to them. This was the conclusion of a new study. A second study determined that intervention of text or voice messages appeared to help patients with glaucoma adhere to their eye drop medication.

Older migraine sufferers may have more silent brain injury

Posted: 15 May 2014 01:38 PM PDT

Older migraine sufferers may be more likely to have silent brain injury. Ischemic silent brain infarctions are symptomless brain injuries and are a risk factor for future strokes. Researchers suggest people who have both migraines and vascular risk factors pay close attention to lifestyle factors that can reduce their chance of stroke.

Negative stereotypes can cancel each other out on resumes

Posted: 15 May 2014 12:41 PM PDT

Stereotypes of gay men as effeminate and weak and black men as threatening and aggressive can hurt members of those groups when white people evaluate them in employment, education, criminal justice and other contexts. But the negative attributes of the two stereotypes can cancel one another out for gay black men in the employment context, according to research.

Children of parents in technical jobs at higher risk for autism

Posted: 15 May 2014 12:41 PM PDT

Children of fathers who are in technical occupations are more likely to have an autism spectrum disorder, according to researchers. Fathers who worked in engineering were two times as likely to have a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Those who worked in finance were four times more likely and those who worked in health care occupations were six times more likely to have a child on the autism spectrum. There was no association with a mother's occupation.

Going beyond the surface: New tech could take light-based cancer treatment deep inside the body

Posted: 15 May 2014 11:28 AM PDT

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective treatment for easily accessible tumors such as oral and skin cancer. But the procedure, which uses lasers to activate special drugs called photosensitizing agents, isn't adept at fighting cancer deep inside the body. Thankfully, that's changing due to new technology that could bring PDT into areas of the body which were previously inaccessible. The new tech involves using near-infrared beams of light that, upon penetrating deep into the body, are converted into visible light that activates the drug and destroys the tumor.

Intersection of aging, chronic disease studied

Posted: 15 May 2014 11:28 AM PDT

A new collection of articles examine how the basic biology of aging drives chronic disease. Together, they highlight the value of the emerging field of geroscience, which uses an integrated approach to the study of diseases and disability associated with growing older. Geroscience seeks to bridge the divide between studies of aging and studies of chronic disease, with the hope of understanding their complex relationship and pointing the way to novel interventions for disease, frailty, and disability.

First 'heavy mouse' leads to first lab-grown tissue mapped from atomic life

Posted: 15 May 2014 11:28 AM PDT

The molecular 'fingerprint' for tissue taken from the first isotope-enriched mouse has huge potential for scientific breakthroughs, as well as improved medical implants. Earliest research based on the data has already revealed that a molecule thought to exist for repairing DNA may also in fact trigger bone formation.

Targeted funding can help address inequities in early child care programs

Posted: 15 May 2014 10:22 AM PDT

The quality of early child care and education programs is influenced both by funding and by the characteristics of the communities in which the programs operate, new research shows. The findings indicate that law- and policy-makers may need to consider the demographics of communities when making funding decisions about early childhood programs, said the main investigator.

Single episode of binge drinking can adversely affect health, according to new study

Posted: 15 May 2014 10:22 AM PDT

A single episode of binge drinking can have significant negative health effects resulting in bacteria leaking from the gut, leading to increased levels of endotoxins in the blood, clinical scientists have found. Greater gut permeability and increased endotoxin levels have been linked to many of the health issues related to chronic drinking, including alcoholic liver disease.

Mothers' symptoms of depression predict how they respond to child behavior

Posted: 15 May 2014 10:22 AM PDT

Depressive symptoms seem to focus mothers' responses on minimizing their own distress, which may come at the expense of focusing on the impact their responses have on their children, according to research. Depressive symptoms are common among mothers, and these symptoms are linked with worse developmental outcomes for children. The new study, which followed 319 mothers and their children over a two-year period, helps to explain why parenting competence seems to deteriorate as parents' symptoms of depression increase.

Added benefit of the fixed combination of dapagliflozin, metformin is not proven, study finds

Posted: 15 May 2014 10:22 AM PDT

As was the case in dapagliflozin monotherapy, a drug manufacturer also presented no suitable data for the therapeutic indication in its dossier on the fixed combination with metformin. Dapagliflozin is approved both alone and in combination with other blood-glucose lowering drugs, including insulin. The fixed combination with metformin is an option for patients who are already taking dapagliflozin and metformin as separate tablets or for patients or who do not benefit sufficiently from the commonly used drug metformin. It can also be used together with other blood-glucose lowering drugs, including insulin, if metformin and these drugs are insufficient.

Cancer's potential on-off switch linked to epigenetics

Posted: 15 May 2014 09:33 AM PDT

An 'on and off' epigenetic switch could be a common mechanism behind the development of different types of cancer, a group of researchers has proposed. Epigenetics is the phenomena whereby genetically identical cells express their genes differently, resulting in different physical traits. The existence of this epigenetic switch is indirectly supported by the fact that tumors develop through different stages. When cells rapidly grow during cancer progression, they become stuck in their current stage of development and their cell characteristics do not change.

Genetic tracking identifies cancer stem cells in human patients

Posted: 15 May 2014 09:33 AM PDT

The gene mutations driving cancer have been tracked for the first time in patients back to a distinct set of cells at the root of cancer -- cancer stem cells. The international research team studied a group of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes -- a malignant blood condition which frequently develops into acute myeloid leukemia. The researchers say their findings offer conclusive evidence for the existence of cancer stem cells.

First test of pluripotent stem cell therapy in monkeys is successful

Posted: 15 May 2014 09:32 AM PDT

For the first time in an animal that is more closely related to humans, researchers have demonstrated that it is possible to make new bone from stem-cell-like induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) made from an individual animal's own skin cells. The study in monkeys also shows that there is some risk that those iPSCs could seed tumors, but that unfortunate outcome appears to be less likely than studies in immune-compromised mice would suggest.

The brain: Key to a better computer

Posted: 15 May 2014 09:32 AM PDT

Your brain is incredibly well-suited to handling whatever comes along, plus it's tough and operates on little energy. Those attributes -- dealing with real-world situations, resiliency and energy efficiency -- are precisely what might be possible with neuro-inspired computing. Neuro-inspired computing seeks to develop algorithms that would run on computers that function more like a brain than a conventional computer.

Combination therapy a potential strategy for treating Niemann Pick disease

Posted: 15 May 2014 09:32 AM PDT

A potential dual-pronged approach to treating Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, a rare but devastating genetic disorder, has been identified by researchers. By studying nerve and liver cells grown from NPC patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the scientists determined that although cholesterol does accumulate abnormally in the cells of NPC patients, a more significant problem may be defective autophagy -— a basic cellular function that degrades and recycles unneeded or faulty molecules, components, or organelles in a cell.

Mice with multiple sclerosis-like condition walk again after human stem cell treatment

Posted: 15 May 2014 09:32 AM PDT

Mice severely disabled by a condition similar to multiple sclerosis (MS) were able to walk less than two weeks following treatment with human neural stem cells. The finding uncovers potential new avenues for treating MS. When scientists transplanted human stem cells into MS mice, they predicted the cells would be rejected, much like rejection of an organ transplant. Expecting no benefit to the mice, they were surprised when the experiment yielded spectacular results.

Algorithm developed for anti-aging remedy search

Posted: 15 May 2014 08:33 AM PDT

An algorithm that can help in the search for aging-suppressing drugs has been developed by researchers whose work compares gene expression in young and elderly patients' cells. The scientists have based the new research on their previously-developed methods in the study of cancer cells. Each cell uses particular schemes of molecular interaction, which physiologists call intercellular signaling pathways.

Secret of radiation vulnerability revealed by research

Posted: 15 May 2014 08:33 AM PDT

The secret of radiation vulnerability has been revealed by a new study. The discovery can help both in predicting the consequences of irradiation and understanding the fundamental patterns of morphogenesis.

Getting chemo first may help in rectal cancer

Posted: 15 May 2014 08:33 AM PDT

If chemotherapy is offered before radiation and surgery in rectal cancer, more patients will be able to tolerate it and receive a full regimen of treatment, a new trial demonstrates. Studies have shown that only about 60 percent of rectal cancer patients comply with postoperative chemotherapy, but in this study, more than 90 percent of the patients were able to complete a full regimen.

New imaging technology: Phase contrast x-ray

Posted: 15 May 2014 07:38 AM PDT

Phase contrast X-ray imaging has enabled researchers to perform mammographic imaging that allows greater precision in the assessment of breast cancer and its precursors. The technique could improve biopsy diagnostics and follow-up. One of the advantages of the phase contrast technique is its ability to provide images of high contrast. In the future, this technique can aid physicians to determine in a non-invasive way where premalignant and malignant breast lesions are most likely located.

Effects of alcohol in young binge drinkers predicts future alcoholism

Posted: 15 May 2014 07:37 AM PDT

Heavy social drinkers who report greater stimulation and reward from alcohol are more likely to develop alcohol use disorder over time, report researchers. The findings run counter to existing hypotheses that innate tolerance to alcohol drives alcoholism. "Heavy drinkers who felt alcohol's stimulant and pleasurable effects at the highest levels in their 20s were the ones with the riskiest drinking profiles in the future and most likely to go on and have alcohol problems in their 30s," the lead said, "In comparison, participants reporting fewer positive effects of alcohol were more likely to mature out of binge drinking as they aged."

Inheriting Mitochondria: Where does your father's go?

Posted: 15 May 2014 06:56 AM PDT

While it's common knowledge that all organisms inherit their mitochondria -- the cell's "power plants" -- from their mothers, it hasn't been clear what happens to all the father's mitochondria. Surprisingly, how -- and why -- paternal mitochondria are prevented from getting passed on to their offspring after fertilization is still shrouded in mystery; the only thing that's certain is that there must be a compelling reason, seeing as this phenomenon has been conserved throughout evolution. A crucial step in fertilization, and this issue, is now better understood, thanks to recent research.

Customizing antibodies by learning from sharks

Posted: 15 May 2014 06:56 AM PDT

Genetically engineered antibodies are deployed successfully in cancer diagnostics and therapy. Therapeutic antibodies against Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis are currently under development. An important criterion when designing suitable antibody fragments is their stability. Comparing the antibodies of sharks with those of humans, a team of researchers has discovered stabilizing mechanisms that can also be applied to optimize custom-tailored antibodies for medical applications.

This is your brain on meditation: Brain processes more thoughts, feelings during meditation, study shows

Posted: 15 May 2014 06:55 AM PDT

Meditation is more than just a way to calm our thoughts and lower stress levels: our brain processes more thoughts and feelings during meditation than when you are simply relaxing, a coalition of researchers has found. "The study indicates that nondirective meditation allows for more room to process memories and emotions than during concentrated meditation," says a co-author of the study.

Addressing 'mischievous responders' would increase validity of adolescent research

Posted: 15 May 2014 06:51 AM PDT

"Mischievous responders" play the game of intentionally providing inaccurate answers on anonymous surveys, a widespread problem that can mislead research findings. However, new data analysis procedures may help minimize the impact of these "jokester youths." By providing misleading responses that the responders think are funny, these people, even in small numbers, can lead researchers to wildly incorrect conclusions. In turn, the conclusions can lead to ineffective policymaking and may perpetuate negative stereotypes about marginalized groups.

HIV patient nutrition more vital than once assumed

Posted: 15 May 2014 06:09 AM PDT

Access to HIV medication has significantly reduced the number of AIDS related deaths in Africa. Yet in a number of African countries, one in four HIV infected still dies within the first few months of commencing treatment. One reason for these deaths is malnutrition which causes the HIV-virus to develop more aggressively. Now a team of researchers has shown that a dietary supplement given during the first months of HIV treatment significantly improves the general condition of patients.

Studying behavior using light to control neurons

Posted: 15 May 2014 06:07 AM PDT

Some of the neurons responsible for behavioral decisions in rats have been identified in a new study. Using a technique that employs light to control nerve cell activity, researchers inactivated a region of the brain and showed that it caused the rats to behave more flexibly while trying to get a reward. The technique, called optogenetics, allows researchers to "show that the firing or inhibition of certain neurons has a causative relationship with a given behavior, whereas previous methods only allowed us to correlate neuronal activity with behavior," says one researcher.

Study may explain link between antibiotic use in infants, asthma

Posted: 14 May 2014 05:57 PM PDT

Children who receive antibiotics before their first birthday might be at an increased risk of developing asthma, new research has confirmed. However, the findings suggest that it is impaired viral immunity and genetic variants on a region of chromosome 17 that increase the risk of both antibiotic use in early life and later development of asthma rather than the antibiotics themselves, as previously thought.

Extended-release medication offers promise for treating alcohol, opioid dependence

Posted: 14 May 2014 01:54 PM PDT

A medication for alcohol and opioid dependence that's injected once a month instead of taken orally once a day appears to be significantly more effective than some other medications -- because more patients actually continue the prescribed regimen. Wider use of it could help reduce or prevent substance abuse and related hospital admissions.

Obesity associated with longer hospital stays, higher costs in total knee replacement patients

Posted: 14 May 2014 12:33 PM PDT

Obesity is associated with longer hospital stays and higher costs in total knee replacement patients, independent of whether or not the patient has an obesity-related disease or condition (comorbidity), according to a new study. More than half of TKR patients have a body mass index (BMI) within the obesity range (greater than 30 kg/m²), which has been linked to a higher risk for related comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis; and in some studies, to higher medical costs and longer hospital stays.

Virtual pet leads to increase physical activity for kids, research says

Posted: 14 May 2014 12:33 PM PDT

Placing children into a mixed reality -- part virtual environment and part real world -- has great potential for increasing their physical activity and decreasing their risk of obesity, according to researchers. Children were split into two groups but only one group was allowed to train, exercise and play with an obese, virtual dog. Researchers found the group of children allowed to interact with the virtual pet averaged 1.09 hours of additional physical activity per day when compared to the group without the pet.

Brain Study: Deconstructing goal-oriented movement

Posted: 14 May 2014 12:32 PM PDT

Our human brains are filled with maps: visual maps of our external environments, and motor maps that define how we interact physically within those environments. Somehow these separate points of reference need to correspond with -- and to -- one another in order for us to act, whether it's grasping a coffee cup or hitting a tennis ball.

Technology may help with imaging brain tumors, research shows

Posted: 14 May 2014 12:32 PM PDT

Possible new ways to image glioblastoma multiforme tumors -- a form of brain tumor -- using the SapC-DOPS technology have been revealed by researchers. Brain tumors are an extremely serious example of this and are not only difficult to treat -- both adult and pediatric patients have a five-year survival rate of only 30 percent -- but also have even been difficult to image, which could provide important information for deciding next steps in the treatment process.

Victims want to change, not just punish, offenders

Posted: 14 May 2014 12:32 PM PDT

Revenge is a dish best served with a side of change. A series of experiments conducted has found that punishment is only satisfying to victims if the offenders change their attitude as a result of the punishment. The findings offer insights into a wide range of situations -- from casual encounters to the sentencing of a criminal. And the research advances efforts in psychology and philosophy to understand the social motives of punishment and the communicative aspects of punishment.
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