ScienceDaily: Top Health News

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• Back away, please: Humans tend to fear things approaching, even if non-threatening
• Anti-androgen therapy for triple-negative breast cancer may benefit lower-androgen tumors
• When couples disagree on stroke recovery, one partner can suffer
• Breakthrough drug-eluting patch stops scar growth, reduces scar tissues
• First demonstration of a self-powered cardiac pacemaker
• Cell stress inflames the gut, research shows
• Dental hygiene profession sees 'moment of opportunity' to improve access to oral health care
• Prescription drugs overtake cannabis in fatal crashes
• Hormone-disrupting activity of fracking chemicals worse than initially found
• BPA stimulates growth of an advanced subtype of human breast cancer cells called inflammatory breast cancer
• Common BPA substitute, BPS, disrupts heart rhythms in females
• BPA Substitute as bad as BPA? Exposure to BPA substitute causes hyperactivity and brain changes in fish
• Unlocking milk's formula could save lives, say scientists
• Battle of the bulge occurs in the liver
• Cancer by remote-control: Overlooked DNA shuffling drives deadly paediatric brain tumour
• Midwifery matters 'more than ever,' experts say
• Family dysfunction strong predictor of emotional problems in children of cancer patients
• Bisexual men face unique challenges to their sexual health
• Association found between maternal exposure to agricultural pesticides and autism
• Colon has safety mechanism that restricts tumor formation
• Organ network in transparent chip for detailed study of how cancer cells spread
• Not even cell death can stop immune system, inflammation
• Potential avenues for treatment of deadly nasopharyngeal cancer discovered
• Veterans with blast traumatic brain injury may have unrecognized pituitary dysfunction
• Soy supplements appear to be safe, beneficial in diabetic men
• Exercising first, dieting later protects patients with metabolic syndrome from muscle loss
• Testosterone replacement may help mobility limited older men improve and maintain aerobic capacity
• Air pollution controls linked to lower death rates in North Carolina
• Easing pain, getting back quality of life for cancer survivors
• Video games, social networks, chat rooms, may help prevent HIV
• Sensitive? Emotional? Empathetic? It could be in your genes
• Microenvironment of hematopoietic stem cells can be a target for myeloproliferative disorders
• Architecture of signaling proteins enhances knowledge of key receptors
• The ICEMAN study: How keeping cool could spur metabolic benefits
• Family of proteins plays key role in cellular pump dynamics
• Brain's balancing act discovered: Wiring determines if neurons communicate
• Starving pancreatic cancer before it has a chance to feast
• Heart physicians devise new hybrid robotic and stenting procedure
• Molecule regulates production of antibacterial agent used by immune cells
• Key to identifying, enriching mesenchymal stem cells found

Back away, please: Humans tend to fear things approaching, even if non-threatening Posted: 23 Jun 2014 10:14 AM PDT We still have negative feelings about things that approach us -- even if they objectively are not threatening, according to new research. Though we modern humans don't really consider such fear, it turns out that it still plays a big part in our day-to-day lives.

Anti-androgen therapy for triple-negative breast cancer may benefit lower-androgen tumors Posted: 23 Jun 2014 09:10 AM PDT Even triple negative breast cancers expressing very low levels of androgen receptor may benefit from anti-androgen therapy, researchers report. "This line of work is starting to change our thinking about who and when -- the timing and patient selection for anti-androgen receptor therapy in triple-negative breast cancer," says the study's first author.

When couples disagree on stroke recovery, one partner can suffer Posted: 23 Jun 2014 09:04 AM PDT When a stroke survivor and his/her caregiving spouse disagree on the survivor's rate of recovery, the caregiver is more likely to experience depression and emotional distress. Researchers found that the magnitude of the discrepancy in spousal perception is key to predicting depression in caregivers. They add that the magnitude of the discrepancy in perceptions between survivors and spousal caregivers is key to predicting depression in spousal caregivers -- which can then cycle back onto the survivors.

Breakthrough drug-eluting patch stops scar growth, reduces scar tissues Posted: 23 Jun 2014 09:04 AM PDT A new invention provides a simple, affordable and -- most importantly -- highly effective way for patients to self-treat keloid scars. It is a special patch made from polymers fabricated into microneedles, which are loaded with the US FDA-approved scar-reducing drug, 5-fluorouracil. Self-administered by patients, the microneedles attach the patch to scar tissue and allow sustained drug-release.

First demonstration of a self-powered cardiac pacemaker Posted: 23 Jun 2014 09:03 AM PDT A self-powered artificial cardiac pacemaker that is operated semi-permanently by a flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator has been developed by researchers. The team's newly designed flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator directly stimulated a living rat's heart using electrical energy converted from the small body movements of the rat. This technology could facilitate the use of self-powered flexible energy harvesters, not only prolonging the lifetime of cardiac pacemakers but also realizing real-time heart monitoring.

Cell stress inflames the gut, research shows Posted: 23 Jun 2014 09:03 AM PDT Inflammatory bowel disease is a common condition in western industrialized countries. What triggers it, however, is not yet fully understood. Nutrition researchers have now identified a new step in the pathogenesis. They used a mouse model to show that a protein in the cells of the intestinal mucosa is one of the root causes of the disease.

Dental hygiene profession sees 'moment of opportunity' to improve access to oral health care Posted: 23 Jun 2014 09:01 AM PDT With opportunities to take increased responsibility for oral health care and to deliver care in a more comprehensive way, it's an exciting time in the profession of dental hygiene. To help prepare to meet these challenges, the Annual Report on Dental Hygiene has been published, a collection of cutting-edge research and practice updates in the field of dental hygiene.

Prescription drugs overtake cannabis in fatal crashes Posted: 23 Jun 2014 09:00 AM PDT Since 1993, the profile of a drugged driver has changed substantially. A study shows that more drivers are now testing positive for prescription drugs, cannabis, and multiple drugs, and they are more likely to be older than 50. The study finds that the percentage of drugged drivers with three or more drugs in their system nearly doubled from 1993 to 2010, increasing from 11.5 percent to 21.5 percent. "In 1993, about 1 in 8 drivers were using multiple drugs concurrently. By 2010, it was closer to 1 in 5. That's a large increase in drug use," one author said.

Hormone-disrupting activity of fracking chemicals worse than initially found Posted: 23 Jun 2014 07:39 AM PDT Many chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, can disrupt not only the human body's reproductive hormones but also the glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone receptors, which are necessary to maintain good health, a new study finds.

BPA stimulates growth of an advanced subtype of human breast cancer cells called inflammatory breast cancer Posted: 23 Jun 2014 07:39 AM PDT Environmental exposure to the industrial chemical bisphenol A (BPA) lowers the effectiveness of a targeted anti-cancer drug for inflammatory breast cancer, according to a new study. The results also show that BPA causes breast cancer cells to grow faster.

Common BPA substitute, BPS, disrupts heart rhythms in females Posted: 23 Jun 2014 07:39 AM PDT Bisphenol S (BPS), a common substitute for bisphenol A (BPA) in consumer products, may have similar toxic effects on the heart as previously reported for BPA, a new study finds.

BPA Substitute as bad as BPA? Exposure to BPA substitute causes hyperactivity and brain changes in fish Posted: 23 Jun 2014 07:39 AM PDT A chemical found in many "BPA free" consumer products, known as bisphenol S (BPS), is just as potent as bisphenol A (BPA) in altering brain development and causing hyperactive behavior, an animal study finds.

Unlocking milk's formula could save lives, say scientists Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:58 AM PDT A new study on the digestion of milk could lead to the development of new formulas for premature babies, weight loss drinks and potentially new drug delivery systems. The research shows, for the first time, detailed insights into the structure of milk during digestion. While milk's nutritional values are well known, little research has been conducted into the detailed structure of milk and how its fats interact with the digestive system until now.

Battle of the bulge occurs in the liver Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:57 AM PDT An international team of scientists has shown how free radicals contribute to type 2 diabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease. Type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are key complications of obesity as 80 per cent of patients with type 2 diabetes are obese, and 75 per cent of patients who are obese or have type 2 diabetes also have fatty liver disease.

Cancer by remote-control: Overlooked DNA shuffling drives deadly paediatric brain tumour Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:29 AM PDT One of the deadliest forms of paediatric brain tumor, Group 3 medulloblastoma, is linked to a variety of large-scale DNA rearrangements which all have the same overall effect on specific genes located on different chromosomes. "We were surprised to see that in addition to MYC there are two other major drivers of Group 3 medulloblastoma -- two sister genes called GFI1B and GFI1," says Korbel. "Our findings could be relevant for research on other cancers, as we discovered that those genes had been activated in a way that cancer researchers don't usually look for in solid tumors," researchers remarked.

Midwifery matters 'more than ever,' experts say Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:29 AM PDT Midwifery has a crucial part to play in saving the lives of millions of women and children who die during and around the time of pregnancy, according to a major new series published. The Series, produced by an international group of academics, clinicians, professional midwives, policymakers and advocates for women and children, is the most critical, wide-reaching examination of midwifery ever conducted, the experts say. It shows the scale of the positive impact that can be achieved when effective, high-quality midwifery is available to all women and their babies.

Family dysfunction strong predictor of emotional problems in children of cancer patients Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:29 AM PDT A cancer diagnosis affects the whole family, and a significant number of children of cancer patients may be at risk for emotional and behavioral problems. New research suggests that family dysfunction may increase a child's risk of experiencing such problems after learning of a parent's illness. "This means that in view of a life-threatening disease in a parent, the level of family functioning predicts children's behavioral and emotional symptoms more than any other tested variable including illness-related factors," the lead author explained.

Bisexual men face unique challenges to their sexual health Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:29 AM PDT Bisexual men have many unmet public health needs, which leave them vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections and other health problems. This new study illuminates the behavioral, interpersonal, and social realities of men who have sex with men and women, and it explores possible interventions to better serve their needs.

Association found between maternal exposure to agricultural pesticides and autism Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:29 AM PDT Pregnant women who lived in close proximity to fields and farms where chemical pesticides were applied experienced a two-thirds increased risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delay, a study by researchers has found. The study examined associations between specific classes of pesticides, including organophosphates, pyrethroids and carbamates, applied during the study participants' pregnancies and later diagnoses of autism and developmental delay in their offspring.

Colon has safety mechanism that restricts tumor formation Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:22 AM PDT Colon cancer development starts with the formation of benign tumors called adenomas. It is estimated that between 30% and 50% of people over 50 will develop one of these tumors. These adenomas or polyps are the pre-cancerous lesions that, once they accumulate further genetic mutations over many years, can progress to colon cancer. A team has discovered that the colon has a safety mechanism to restrict the formation and growth of adenomas.

Organ network in transparent chip for detailed study of how cancer cells spread Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:21 AM PDT The recent development of the concept of organs on a chip opens the possibility of realistically studying human organs without the use of patients or animal testing. One researcher goes one step further: he intends to make microsystems in which multiple 'organs' are connected through 'blood vessels.' That will, for example, allow precise investigation of how cancer spreads. This could eventually make the development of medical drug much cheaper and faster.

Not even cell death can stop immune system, inflammation Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:21 AM PDT Even after a cell dies, components of the immune system remain active and continue to fuel inflammatory reactions. An international team of researchers has discovered how this incredible form of communication works. The findings offer potentially novel approaches for therapies against many serious diseases that affect a large part of the population, such as gout, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

Potential avenues for treatment of deadly nasopharyngeal cancer discovered Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:21 AM PDT A distinct mutational signature and nine significantly mutated genes associated with nasopharyngeal cancer have been found by an international team of researchers, paving the way to developing novel therapies for this deadly disease. The group has conducted the first successful comprehensive genomic study of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which has a particularly high prevalence in Southern China and Southeast Asia, including Singapore. The findings provide an enhanced road map for the study of the molecular basis of this form of cancer.

Veterans with blast traumatic brain injury may have unrecognized pituitary dysfunction Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:20 AM PDT In soldiers who survive traumatic brain injury from blast exposure, pituitary dysfunction after their blast injury may be an important, under-recognized, and potentially treatable source of their symptoms, a new study finds. "Our study suggests that deficiencies in the pituitary's growth hormone and testosterone are commonly seen after blast traumatic brain injury, especially in patients who are overweight," says an investigator.

Soy supplements appear to be safe, beneficial in diabetic men Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:20 AM PDT Soy protein supplements, which contain natural estrogens, do not reduce testosterone levels in men with Type 2 diabetes who already have borderline-low testosterone, according to a new study. In addition, soy protein supplements significantly improved diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number in a blood pressure reading) but not systolic blood pressure (the top number).

Exercising first, dieting later protects patients with metabolic syndrome from muscle loss Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:18 AM PDT Younger and older women tend to lose lean muscle mass, along with fat, unless they engage in physical activity before they attempt weight loss, a new study finds. "To preserve muscle in metabolic syndrome, irrespective of age, exercise should precede the initiation of weight loss and not be started at the same time as diet," said the lead study author.

Testosterone replacement may help mobility limited older men improve and maintain aerobic capacity Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:18 AM PDT Testosterone replacement therapy may help older men who have limited mobility and low testosterone improve their aerobic capacity and lessen its decline with age, new research finds. Aerobic fitness declines as people grow older. In previous research, the authors showed that testosterone therapy might improve endurance capacity in aging men, but the effects of testosterone on aerobic performance in mobility limited older men have not been evaluated.

Air pollution controls linked to lower death rates in North Carolina Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:18 AM PDT National and state air pollution controls that went into effect in the early 1990s coincide with decreasing death rates from emphysema, asthma and pneumonia among people in North Carolina, according to a study. Using mortality trends from state public health data, along with monthly measurements from air-monitoring stations across North Carolina from 1993-2010, the researchers were able to draw a close association between improved air quality and declining death rates from respiratory illnesses.

Easing pain, getting back quality of life for cancer survivors Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:18 AM PDT More and more people are surviving their cancer but they don't need to cope with lingering pain in silence. A review paper now describes what survivors can do to improve their quality of life. "Pain makes people less functional," says one author. "I think the key thing people need to know is to ask for help if they have chronic pain after cancer. They need to know that there are lots of different ways to address pain. Just because the cancer is gone doesn't mean you're going to be 100 percent the way you were before you were treated." Survivors shouldn't suffer in silence.

Video games, social networks, chat rooms, may help prevent HIV Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:18 AM PDT While many HIV prevention interventions have traditionally been delivered face-to-face, a study suggests that digital outreach efforts delivered via text messages, interactive games, chat rooms, and social networks may be an effective way to reach at-risk younger men who have sex with men. "This is a population that is very used to technology, and there is built-in privacy and immediacy with digital communication that may be especially appealing," says the lead study author. "If we want to reduce HIV infection rates, particularly among younger men, we need to explore the use of technology to meet them where they live -- online and on their phones."

Sensitive? Emotional? Empathetic? It could be in your genes Posted: 23 Jun 2014 06:18 AM PDT Do you jump to help the less fortunate or cry during sad movie scenes? If yes, you may be among the 20 percent of our population that is genetically pre-disposed to empathy, according to a study. The results provide further evidence that highly sensitive people are generally highly tuned into their environment, and provide evidence that especially high levels of awareness and emotional responsiveness are fundamental features of humans characterized as HSPs.

Microenvironment of hematopoietic stem cells can be a target for myeloproliferative disorders Posted: 22 Jun 2014 11:22 AM PDT The protective microenvironment of the hematopoietic stem cell niche, which produces cells of the blood and the immune system, also protects against myeloproliferative neoplasia. Protecting this microenvironment, or niche, has thus emerged as a new route for the treatment of these diseases, for which there is currently no fully effective treatment.

Architecture of signaling proteins enhances knowledge of key receptors Posted: 22 Jun 2014 11:22 AM PDT The underlying architecture of a cellular signaling complex involved in the body's response to stimuli such as light and pain has been determined by a team of researchers. This complex, consisting of a human cell surface receptor and its regulatory protein, reveals a two-step mechanism that has been hypothesized previously but not directly documented.

The ICEMAN study: How keeping cool could spur metabolic benefits Posted: 22 Jun 2014 11:22 AM PDT A new study demonstrates that ambient temperatures can influence the growth or loss of brown fat in people. Cool environments stimulate growth, warm environments loss. The study results clearly show the 'plasticity' of brown fat in humans.

Family of proteins plays key role in cellular pump dynamics Posted: 22 Jun 2014 11:21 AM PDT Scientists have discovered how a family of proteins — cation diffusion facilitators (CDFs) — regulates an important cellular cycle where a cell's energy generated is converted to necessary cellular functions. The finding could eventually to significant breakthroughs in the treatment of Parkinson's, chronic liver disease and heart disease.

Brain's balancing act discovered: Wiring determines if neurons communicate Posted: 22 Jun 2014 11:21 AM PDT A fundamental mechanism by which the brain maintains its internal balance has been discovered by researchers. The mechanism involves the brain's most basic inner wiring and the processes that control whether a neuron relays information to other neurons or suppresses the transmission of information.

Starving pancreatic cancer before it has a chance to feast Posted: 20 Jun 2014 01:32 PM PDT Researchers are working towards cutting off the growth of pancreatic tumors before they can metastasize throughout the body. Pancreatic cancer and other cancers can only thrive, grow and spread if they have nutrients from blood, just like other tissues in our bodies. Cancer cells and tumors at first rely on nearby blood vessels to get what they need to survive, but, as tumors grow, they need to form new vessels. These vessels differ from those in regular tissue, Sushanta explained, which is part of the reason cancer can be so difficult to treat.

Heart physicians devise new hybrid robotic and stenting procedure Posted: 20 Jun 2014 01:32 PM PDT Recently, a patient presented to cardiologists with three blockages around the heart. The physicians devised a new hybrid procedure, which included minimally invasive robotic bypass surgery to one vessel, as well as stenting to two remaining vessels — all in the span of three days. The patient says the procedures were not difficult to recover from, and that he used very little pain medication afterward.

Molecule regulates production of antibacterial agent used by immune cells Posted: 20 Jun 2014 11:39 AM PDT Researchers have discovered how a protein molecule in immune cells promotes the production of nitric oxide, a potent weapon in the cells' arsenal to defend the body from bacterial attack. The protein may offer a target for reining in the inflammatory response, which must be able to fight infection without damaging tissue.

Key to identifying, enriching mesenchymal stem cells found Posted: 20 Jun 2014 11:37 AM PDT A biomarker that enables researchers to accurately characterize the properties and function of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the body has been identified. MSCs are the focus of nearly 200 active clinical trials registered with the National Institutes of Health, targeting conditions such as bone fractures, cartilage injury, degenerative disc disease, and osteoarthritis.

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