ScienceDaily: Health - April 11, 2024
Top health research news
Newly found genetic variant defends against Alzheimer's disease
Neuroscientists have identified a genetic mutation that fends off Alzheimer's disease in people at high risk and could lead to a new way to protect people from the disease.
Image: DNA structure, Designua/shutterstock.com
New way to generate human cartilage
University of Montana researchers and their partners have found a new method to generate human cartilage of the head and neck.
New origin of deep brain waves discovered
Biomedical engineering researchers have uncovered a previously unknown source of two key brain waves crucial for deep sleep: slow waves and sleep spindles. Traditionally believed to originate from one brain circuit linking the thalamus and cortex, the team's findings suggest that the axons in memory centers of the hippocampus play a role.
More than half a million global stroke deaths may be tied to climate change
A changing climate may be linked to growing death and disability from stroke in regions around the world, according to a new study. Researchers found over three decades that non-optimal temperatures, those above or below temperatures associated with the lowest death rates, were increasingly linked to death and disability due to stroke. The study does not prove that climate change causes stroke. It only shows an association. The study also did not examine other risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
Mixed diets balance nutrition and carbon footprint
What we eat can impact our health as well as the environment. Many studies have looked at the impacts of diets in very general terms focused at the level of food groups. A new study explores this issue following a more nuanced dish-level approach. One of the benefits of this kind of study is that people's connections with their diets vary around the world and have strong cultural associations. Knowledge of the impacts of diets using dishes rather than broad food groups can help individuals make informed choices and those in the food industry improve their practices.
AI powered 'digital twin' models the infant microbiome
Researchers have developed a new generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool that models the infant microbiome. This 'digital twin' of the infant microbiome creates a virtual model that predicts the changing dynamics of microbial species in the gut, and how they change as the infant develops.
Size of salty snack influences eating behavior that determines amount consumed
The size of an individual snack piece not only influences how fast a person eats it, but also how much of it they eat, according to a new study. With nearly a quarter of daily calorie intake in the United States coming from snacks, these findings may have implications for helping people better understand how eating behavior impacts calorie and sodium intake.
How the body switches out of 'fight' mode
Cortisone and other related glucocorticoids are extremely effective at curbing excessive immune reactions. But previously, astonishingly little was known about how they exactly do that. Researchers have now explored the molecular mechanism of action in greater detail. As the researchers report, glucocorticoids reprogram the metabolism of immune cells, activating the body's natural 'brakes' on inflammation. These findings lay the groundwork for development of anti-inflammatory agents with fewer and less severe side effects.
New drug prevents flu-related inflammation and lung damage
Findings show a newly created drug can prevent runaway inflammation while still allowing the immune system to handle the virus, even when given late into infection.
Researchers identify protein that controls CAR T cell longevity
CAR T cell therapy has revolutionized the way certain types of cancer are treated, and the longer those CAR T cells live in a patient's body, the more effectively they respond to cancer. Now, researchers have found that a protein called FOXO1 improves the survival and function of CAR T cells, which may lead to more effective CAR T cell therapies and could potentially expand its use in difficult-to-treat cancers.
The genesis of our cellular skeleton, image by image
Cells contain various specialized structures -- such as the nucleus, mitochondria or peroxisomes -- known as 'organelles'. Tracing their genesis and determining their structure is fundamental to understanding cell function and the pathologies linked to their dysfunction.
Researchers discover how we perceive bitter taste
A new study reveals the detailed protein structure of the TAS2R14, a bitter taste receptor that allows us to perceive bitter taste. In addition to solving the structure of this taste receptor, the researchers were also able to determine where bitter-tasting substances bind to TAS2R14 and how they activate them. The findings may lead to the development of drugs that targeting taste receptors.
Does the time of day you move your body make a difference to your health?
Undertaking the majority of daily physical activity in the evening is linked to the greatest health benefits for people living with obesity, according to researchers who followed the trajectory of 30,000 people over almost 8 years.
Mechanism of action of the hepatitis B and D virus cell entry inhibitor bulevirtide deciphered
Over 12 million people worldwide suffer from a chronic infection with the hepatitis D virus. This most severe viral liver disease is associated with a high risk of dying from liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV), which uses the surface proteins of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) as a vehicle to specifically enter liver cells via a protein in the cell membrane -- the bile salt transporter protein NTCP.
New insight into combating drug-resistant prostate cancer
New research sheds light on the significance of the glucocorticoid receptor in drug-resistant prostate cancer, showing that the development of drug resistance could be prevented by limiting the activity of coregulator proteins.
A promising target for new RNA therapeutics now accessible
Only recently, a new era in medicine began with the first RNA vaccines. These active substances are modified RNAs that trigger immune responses of the human immune system. Another approach in RNA medicine targets the body's own RNA and its protein modulators by specifically tailored active substances.
Obese and overweight children at risk of iron deficiency
Children and young people who are overweight or obese are at significantly higher risk of iron deficiency, according to a study by nutritional scientists.
AI makes retinal imaging 100 times faster, compared to manual method
Researchers applied artificial intelligence (AI) to a technique that produces high-resolution images of cells in the eye. They report that with AI, imaging is 100 times faster and improves image contrast 3.5-fold. The advance, they say, will provide researchers with a better tool to evaluate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other retinal diseases.
Impact of aldehydes on DNA damage and aging
Researchers have discovered the connection between aldehydes, organic compounds produced by cells as part of metabolic processes, and rapid aging. Their findings indicate a potential treatment for diseases that lead to accelerated aging as well as a means to counteract aging in healthy people by controlling exposure to aldehyde-inducing substances including alcohol, pollution, and smoke.
Scientists identify pro-aging 'sugar signature' in the blood of people living with HIV
Scientists have identified sugar abnormalities in the blood that may promote biological aging and inflammation in people living with HIV.
Revascularization enhances quality of life for patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia
Over 200 million people around the world experience peripheral artery disease (PAD) -- a condition caused by the narrowing of the blood vessels from the heart to the lower limbs that leads to pain when walking -- and for roughly 1-in-10 this advances to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), an advanced form of PAD. Those with CLTI often suffer severe pain even at rest, caused by fatty plaque buildup obstructing blood flow, typically to the leg or foot.
A new screening protocol can detect aggressive prostate cancers more selectively
A large randomized trial shows that a new three-step prostate cancer screening method can find a considerable number of aggressive cancers. Population-level screening programs have not been launched in most countries.
Research uncovers differences between men and women in sleep, circadian rhythms and metabolism
A new review of research evidence has explored the key differences in how women and men sleep, variations in their body clocks, and how this affects their metabolism.
The evolving attitudes of Gen X toward evolution
As the centennial of the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925 approaches, a new study illustrates that the attitudes of Americans in Generation X toward evolution shifted as they aged.
Brain stimulation treatment may improve depression, anxiety in older adults
A noninvasive brain stimulation treatment improved depression and anxiety symptoms among older adults in a new study.
Respiratory allergies: Newly discovered molecule plays a major role in triggering inflammation
One of the molecules responsible for triggering the inflammation that causes allergic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, has just been discovered. This molecule, from the alarmin family, represents a therapeutic target of major interest for the treatment of allergic diseases.
AI-assisted breast-cancer screening may reduce unnecessary testing
Researchers showed that AI assistance potentially could improve breast-cancer screening by reducing the number of false positives without missing true positives.
Connecting lab-grown brain cells provides insight into how our own brains work
Researchers have developed a technique to connect lab-grown neural 'organoids' (three-dimensional developmental brain-like structures grown from human stem cells) using axonal bundles, similar to the connections between regions in the human brain. This technique allows brain networks to be better represented experimentally in the lab, and will improve understanding and studies of network-related brain disorders.
In a new breakthrough that could revolutionise medical and material engineering, scientists have developed a first-of-its-kind molecular device that controls the release of multiple small molecules using force.
Can the bias in algorithms help us see our own?
New research shows that people recognize more of their biases in algorithms' decisions than they do in their own -- even when those decisions are the same.
The genomic architecture of inherited DNA variants
In a study that spans more than a decade, researchers have looked at generations of families in a specific population to reveal the role newly inherited DNA variants play on recessive disease traits, and in the process, they have created a population specific database revealing unique DNA information unseen in larger cohorts.
Beating back bitter taste in medicine
The bitter taste of certain drugs is a barrier to taking some medications as prescribed, especially for people who are particularly sensitive to bitter taste. A team found that the diabetes drug rosiglitazone could partially block the bitter taste of some especially bad-tasting medications. The hope is that repurposed drugs could be added in small doses to other medicines to make them less bitter and taste better, thereby encouraging compliance with bitter drug regimens.
Cardiology team performs novel heart artery repair with newly approved device
Medical researchers have performed a successful transcatheter tricuspid valve repair procedure with a groundbreaking catheter.
Nasal spray safely treats recurrent abnormal heart rhythms, clinical trial suggests
A clinical trial showed that a nasal spray that patients administer at home, without a physician, successfully and safely treated recurrent episodes of a condition that causes rapid abnormal heart rhythms. The study provides real-world evidence that a wide range of patients can safely and effectively use the experimental drug, called etripamil, to treat recurrent paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) episodes at home, potentially sparing them the need for repeated hospital trips for more invasive treatments.
Targeting RAS proteins may prevent relapse in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Relapses in a common form of leukemia may be preventable following new research that has identified how the cancer develops resistance to first line treatments.
Machine learning method reveals chromosome locations in individual cell nucleus
Researchers have made a significant advancement toward understanding how the human genome is organized inside a single cell. This knowledge is crucial for analyzing how DNA structure influences gene expression and disease processes.
New consensus statement aims to improve endometriosis evaluation
A new expert consensus statement aims to improve endometriosis evaluation. Endometriosis is a common condition with substantial diagnostic delay, leading patients to experience pain, infertility, lost wages and interrupted relationships. The consensus provides recommendations for augmenting routine pelvic ultrasounds through additional maneuvers and imaging to improve diagnosis of deep endometriosis.
New technique sheds light on memory and learning
The findings may also have implications for learning and memory disorders, including Fragile X syndrome.
New atlas of mRNA variants captures inner workings of the brain
Investigators have assembled the most comprehensive atlas to date of messenger RNA (mRNA) variants in the mouse and human brain. The atlas is an important new resource in understanding brain development, neuron specialization and other brain functions.
A smarter city skyline for flood safety
With climate change and rising urbanization, the likelihood and severity of urban flooding are increasing. But not all city blocks are created equal. Researchers investigated how urban layout and building structures contribute to pedestrian safety during flooding. Based on their simulated results, the team recommends modifying building corners and protective block layouts to reduce pedestrian risk.
Researchers have compiled a detailed catalogue of bacteria living in cancer metastases. Having analyzed over 4000 tumors, they shed light on the diversity of these co-inhabitants and how they might interact with cancer cells and their surroundings. For example, certain bacteria were linked to a worse response to immunotherapy. This study paves the way to a better understanding of how bacteria help or hinder cancer (therapy), and how we can use this for patients' advantage.
Periostin shows promise to help fight a common form of esophageal cancer
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) accounts for around 90% of esophageal cancers, especially in East Asia. New findings in indicate that periostin, or POSTN, promotes ESCC progression by enhancing cancer and stromal cell migration in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Therefore, it may be a novel therapeutic target for treating ESCC.
Cognitive decline may be detected using network analysis, according to Concordia researchers
Researchers use network analysis to study whether it can reveal the subtle changes associated with subjective cognitive decline that cannot otherwise be detected through standard test analyses. By running a statistical analysis of data merged from two large Canadian data sets, the researchers were able to visualize the strength of relationships between the nodes among people who are classified as cognitively normal (CN), or who have diagnoses of subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Research could unlock more precise prognoses and targeted treatments for children with cancer
Researchers have identified new variations in neuroblastoma that could lead to a more accurate prognosis and better-targeted treatments for this devastating childhood cancer. A study reveals three new subgroups of the most common type of neuroblastoma, each with different genetic traits, expected outcomes, and distinguishing features that offer clues as to which treatments may be most effective.
After being insulted, writing down your feelings on paper then getting rid of it reduces anger
Researchers have discovered a simple, but effective, strategy to help people reduce their feelings of anger. Disposing of a piece of paper containing your written thoughts on the cause of your anger can effectively neutralize it. This process is like a Japanese tradition called hakidashisara, in which people write their negative thoughts on a plate then destroy it. Their findings suggest a simple and effective method of suppressing anger supported by science.
Are lab-grown brain tissues ethical? There is no no-brainer answer
Researchers offer insights into the ethical dilemmas and legal complexities surrounding brain organoids, especially those derived from human fetal tissue. Their findings advocate for thorough regulatory frameworks to ensure that scientific and medical progress in this field is conducted responsibly and ethically, with strong regulations supported by sound ethical and legal principles.
Heart disease, depression linked by inflammation
Coronary artery disease and major depression may be genetically linked via inflammatory pathways to an increased risk for cardiomyopathy, a degenerative heart muscle disease, researchers have found.
The surprising connection between male infertility and family cancer risk
A study suggests families with infertile male relatives may face elevated cancer risks. Tapping into genetic data, families could help personalize cancer risk assessments.
Tiny brain bubbles carry complete codes
Scientists discovered that the biological instructions within these vesicles differed significantly in postmortem brain samples donated from patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Preventive angioplasty does not improve prognosis
For heart attack patients, treating only the coronary artery that caused the infarction works just as well as preventive balloon dilation of the other coronary arteries, according to a new large study.
A pulse of innovation: AI at the service of heart research
Researchers unveiled BeatProfiler, a groundbreaking new tool -- a comprehensive software that automates the analysis of heart cell function from video data. It's the first system to integrate the analysis of different heart function indicators, such as contractility, calcium handling, and force output into one tool, speeding up the process significantly and reducing the chance for errors. BeatProfiler enabled the researchers to not only distinguish between different diseases and levels of their severity but also to rapidly and objectively test drugs that affect heart function.
Targeting vulnerability in B-cell development leads to novel drug combination for leukemia
Scientists discovered which tumor cells resist treatment and why. By characterizing B-cells' developmental stages, they designed and tested a drug combination to effectively treat resistant B-cell leukemia.
People make more patient decisions when shown the benefits first
Psychologists asked experiment participants to choose to receive $40 in seven days or $60 in 30 days, for example, under a variety of time constraints. The experiment showed that people tend to make more impulsive decisions if they think about time delays first, and more patient decisions if they think about the greater reward associated with waiting longer. The findings could be applied where people are being encouraged to make life choices that will benefit them in the long run, such as eating healthier, exercising or saving for retirement, by emphasizing the future large rewards and deemphasizing how long it will take to see them.
Pregnancy accelerates biological aging in a healthy, young adult population
Pregnancy may carry a cost, reports a new study. The research shows that women who reported having been pregnant looked biologically older than women who had never been pregnant, and women who had been pregnant more often looked biologically older than those who reported fewer pregnancies.
Short-term incentives for exercise can lead to sustained increases in activity
Adults with heart disease risks who received daily reminders or incentives to become more active increased their daily steps by more than 1,500 after a year, and many were still sticking with their new habit six months later, according to a new study.
New research could change standard-of-care guidelines to improve outcomes for heart attack patients after coronary stenting procedures.
Scientists have successfully grown 'mini kidneys' in the lab and grafted them into live mice, revealing new insights into the metabolic defects and a potential therapy for polycystic kidney disease.
Bringing multidrug-resistant pathogens to their knees
Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections that cannot be treated by any known antibiotics pose a serious global threat. A research team has now introduced a method for the development of novel antibiotics to fight resistant pathogens. The drugs are based on protein building blocks with fluorous lipid chains.
A friendly pat on the back can improve performance in basketball
A free throw in basketball will have every eye glued to one person. It's an intensely stressful situation. A research team studied whether a friendly tap on the shoulder increases the odds of making a shot.
New guidelines to help kids build tolerance to food allergens
Researchers have crafted guidelines to help prepare families who plan to build their child's tolerance to common food allergens. These international guidelines standardize the preparation process for families considering oral immunotherapy, a process that involves giving very small amounts of an allergen to patients and gradually increasing the amount to build up their tolerance.