ScienceDaily: Health - April 25, 2024
Top health research news
Solving the riddle of the sphingolipids in coronary artery disease
Investigators have uncovered a way to unleash in blood vessels the protective effects of a type of fat-related molecule known as a sphingolipid, suggesting a promising new strategy for the treatment of coronary artery disease.
Tumors actively prevent the formation of immune responses by so-called cytotoxic T cells, which are essential in combating cancer. Researchers have now uncovered for the first time how this exactly happens. The study provides rationales for new cancer immunotherapies and could make existing treatments more effective.
Social media can be used to increase fruit and vegetable intake in young people
Researchers have found that people following healthy eating accounts on social media for as little as two weeks ate more fruit and vegetables and less junk food.
Image: salad, Anna Shepulova/Shutterstock.com
Low intensity exercise linked to reduced depression
New research has found a significant association between participating in low to moderate intensity exercise and reduced rates of depression.
Positive effect of midazolam after cardiac arrest
If a patient is successfully resuscitated after a cardiac arrest and circulation resumes, they are not out of the woods yet. A number of factors can influence whether and how they survive the trauma in the subsequent phase. The administration of the anaesthetic midazolam has a positive effect, as shown by a multicenter study of 571 patients.
Computer game in school made students better at detecting fake news
A computer game helped upper secondary school students become better at distinguishing between reliable and misleading news.
Researchers unveil PI3K enzyme's dual accelerator and brake mechanisms
The enzyme PI3K plays a critical role in cell migration. Scientists have long understood this function. But researchers have recently unveiled that a subunit of this enzyme also has the ability to slam on the breaks to this process.
Biophysics: Testing how well biomarkers work
Researchers have developed a method to determine how reliably target proteins can be labeled using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy.
Don't be a stranger -- study finds rekindling old friendships as scary as making new ones
Psychologists have found that people are as hesitant to reach out to an old friend as they are to strike up a conversation with a stranger, even when they had the capacity and desire to do so.
Infected: Understanding the spread of behavior
A team of researchers found that long-tie connections accelerate the speed of social contagion.
Researchers create artificial cells that act like living cells
Researchers describe the steps they took to manipulate DNA and proteins -- essential building blocks of life -- to create cells that look and act like cells from the body. This accomplishment, a first in the field, has implications for efforts in regenerative medicine, drug delivery systems and diagnostic tools.
Marginalized communities developed 'disaster subculture' when living through extreme climate events
An assistant professor conducted a study in which he lived among one of the poorest, most marginalized communities in Seoul, South Korea. In the ethnographic study, he asked residents how they dealt with extreme heat. He found they tended to accept the conditions, stating there was not much that could be done. That shows people accepted extreme climate events, despite evidence showing this should not be normal, which bodes the argument social work as a field has much to do to help address climate emergencies.
A new study highlights the lasting financial impact of a cancer diagnosis for many working-age adults and their families in the United States. It shows a cancer diagnosis and the time required for its treatment can result in employment disruptions, loss of household income and loss of employment-based health insurance coverage, leading to financial hardship.
Innovative microscopy demystifies metabolism of Alzheimer's
Using state-of-the-art microscopy techniques, researchers have shed new light on the underlying mechanisms driving Alzheimer's disease.
Study compares salmonella rates in backyard, commercial poultry farm samples
Researchers find less Salmonella on backyard poultry farms. But concerns remain about the prevalance of multidrug-resistant bacteria on both large and small farms.
In the brain, bursts of beta rhythms implement cognitive control
Bursts of brain rhythms with 'beta' frequencies control where and when neurons in the cortex process sensory information and plan responses. Studying these bursts would improve understanding of cognition and clinical disorders, researchers argue in a new review.
Magnetic microcoils unlock targeted single-neuron therapies for neurodegenerative disorders
Researchers deploy an array of microscopic coils to create a magnetic field and stimulate individual neurons. The magnetic field can induce an electric field in any nearby neurons, the same effect created by an electrode but much more precise. They used an array of eight coils, which combined can induce electric fields using much less current per coil, and employed soft magnetic materials, which boost the magnetic strength of the coils. The researchers constructed a prototype of their coil array, called MagPatch, and encapsulated it within a biocompatible coating.
Odor-causing bacteria in armpits targeted using bacteriophage-derived lysin
A research team has synthesized a lysin that during in vitro experiments targets bacteria responsible for producing odors in human armpits.
Gentle defibrillation for the heart
Using light pulses as a model for electrical defibrillation, scientists developed a method to assess and modulate the heart function. The research team has thus paved the way for an efficient and direct treatment for cardiac arrhythmias. This may be an alternative for the strong and painful electrical shocks currently used.
Dengue fever infections have negative impacts on infant health for three years
Dengue infections in pregnant women may have a negative impact on the first years of children's lives, new research has found.
Exploring brain synchronization patterns during social interactions
Social interactions synchronize brain activity within individuals and between individuals. In a new study, researchers compared brain synchronization between pairs of people with relatively strong social ties (acquaintance pairs) and pairs with almost no social ties (stranger pairs). The study found that during a cooperative task, the stranger pairs exhibited more closely connected brain networks compared to the acquaintance pairs. These findings challenge the conventional understanding that stronger social bonds lead to greater brain synchronization.
Bella moths use poison to attract mates: Scientists are closer to finding out how
Researchers sequence the bella moth genome, which they used to pinpoint specific genes that may confer immunity to noxious alkaloids.
Eye-opener: Pupils enlarge when people focus on tasks
Normally, a person's pupils naturally widen (or dilate) in low-light environments to allow more light into the eye. However, in a new study, researchers reported that a person's pupils also dilate when they are concentrating on tasks. In particular, they found that the more a person's eyes dilated during the task, the better they did on tests measuring their working memory.
Life goals and their changes drive success
Though life goals change over time, a study of teen goals indicates that goals of education and high prestige can drive success.
Scientists discover the cellular functions of a family of proteins integral to inflammatory diseases
In a scientific breakthrough, researchers have revealed the biological mechanisms by which a family of proteins known as histone deacetylases (HDACs) activate immune system cells linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other inflammatory diseases.
3 in 5 parents play short order cook for young children who don't like family meal
While most parents of preschool and elementary aged children strive to give their children a balanced, nutritional diet, some of their strategies to promote healthy eating may backfire, a national poll suggests.
Study explores possible future for early Alzheimer's diagnostics
Digital memory test and a blood sample -- this combination will be tested for its potential to identify early Alzheimer's disease in a new research study. Over a hundred healthcare centers are part of the study that is now inviting participants to sign up. At least 3,000, preferably many more participants are needed for the study to be successful.
Japan's premodern concept of nature at root of distinctive mindset in early childhood education
Observers of Japanese early childhood education and care have pointed to the mindset of educators watching over and waiting on preschoolers as being an intriguing tendency. This mimamoru approach has its roots in a premodern concept of nature.
New approach to tackle muscle loss in aging
A specific protein, TP53INP2, might prevent muscle loss associated with aging. A new study indicates that high levels of this protein are linked to greater muscle strength and healthier aging. This discovery paves the way for new treatments that could enhance the quality of life for the elderly.
Predicting cardiac arrhythmia 30 minutes before it happens
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide with around 59 million people concerned in 2019. This irregular heartbeat is associated with increased risks of heart failure, dementia and stroke. It constitutes a significant burden to healthcare systems, making its early detection and treatment a major goal. Researchers have recently developed a deep-learning model capable of predicting the transition from a normal cardiac rhythm to atrial fibrillation. It gives early warnings on average 30 minutes before onset, with an accuracy of around 80%. These results pave the way for integration into wearable technologies, allowing early interventions and better patient outcomes.
Pressure in the womb may influence facial development
Physical cues in the womb, and not just genetics, influence the normal development of neural crest cells, the embryonic stem cells that form facial features, finds a new study.
The enemy within: How pathogens spread unrecognized in the body
Some pathogens hide inside human cells to enhance their survival. Researchers have uncovered a unique tactic certain bacteria use to spread in the body without being detected by the immune system. In their study, they reveal the crucial role of a bacterial nanomachine in this infection process.
Breakthrough rice bran nanoparticles show promise as affordable and targeted anticancer agent
Plant-derived nanoparticles have demonstrated significant anticancer effects. Researchers recently developed rice bran-derived nanoparticles (rbNPs) that efficiently suppressed cell proliferation and induced programmed cell death of only cancer cells. Furthermore, rbNPs successfully suppressed the growth of tumors in mice having aggressive adenocarcinoma in their peritoneal cavity, without any adverse effects. Given their low production costs and high efficacy, rbNPs hold great promise for developing affordable and safe anticancer agents.
Simulated microgravity affects sleep and physiological rhythms
Simulated effects of microgravity significantly affect rhythmicity and sleep in humans, a new study finds. Such disturbances could negatively affect the physiology and performance of astronauts in space.
Genetically engineering a treatment for incurable brain tumors
Scientists are developing and validating a patent-pending novel immunotherapy to be used against glioblastoma brain tumors. Glioblastomas are almost always lethal with a median survival time of 14 months. Traditional methods used against other cancers, like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, are often ineffective on glioblastoma.
People think 'old age' starts later than it used to, study finds
Middle-aged and older adults believe that old age begins later in life than their peers did decades ago, according to a new study.
Despite AI advancements, human oversight remains essential
State-of-the-art artificial intelligence systems known as large language models (LLMs) are poor medical coders, according to researchers. Their study emphasizes the necessity for refinement and validation of these technologies before considering clinical implementation. The study extracted a list of more than 27,000 unique diagnosis and procedure codes from 12 months of routine care in the Mount Sinai Health System, while excluding identifiable patient data. Using the description for each code, the researchers prompted models from OpenAI, Google, and Meta to output the most accurate medical codes. The generated codes were compared with the original codes and errors were analyzed for any patterns.
Mosaics of predisposition cause skin disease
Clarifying the cause of a skin disease led to the discovery of a new disease-causing gene, a new category of diseases, and new perspectives for both counseling and therapy. The discovery is the first time that epigenetic silencing, the 'switching off' of an otherwise intact gene, has been recognized as the cause for a skin disease.
Social programs save millions of lives, especially in times of crisis
Primary health care, conditional cash transfers and social pensions have prevented 1.4 million deaths of all ages in Brazil over the past two decades, according to a new study. If expanded, these programs could avert an additional 1.3 million deaths and 6.6 million hospitalizations by 2030.
New compound from blessed thistle promotes functional nerve regeneration
Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is a plant in the family Asteraceae. For centuries, it has been used as a medicinal herb as an extract or tea, e.g. to aid the digestive system. Researchers have now found a completely novel use for Cnicin. Animal models as well as human cells have shown that Cnicin significantly accelerates axon (nerve fibers) growth.
Shoe technology reduces risk of diabetic foot ulcers
Researchers have developed a new shoe insole technology that helps reduce the risk of diabetic foot ulcers, a dangerous open sore that can lead to hospitalization and leg, foot or toe amputations.
Researchers develop a new way to safely boost immune cells to fight cancer
Researchers explore a cancer immunotherapy treatment that involves activating the immune cells in the body and reprogramming them to attack and destroy cancer cells. This therapeutic method frequently uses cytokines, small protein molecules that act as intercellular biochemical messengers and are released by the body's immune cells to coordinate their response.
New study examines the increased adoption of they/them pronouns
People are using 'they/them' pronouns more often, according to a new study.
Glial hyper-drive for triggering epileptic seizures
When epileptic patients suffer seizures, their brain is undergoing repetitive and excessive neuronal firing. But what triggers this has stumped scientists for years. Now, researchers have used fluorescence calcium sensors to track astrocytes' role in epileptic seizures, finding that that astrocyte activity starts approximately 20 seconds before the onset of epileptic neuronal hyperactivity.
Toxic chemicals from microplastics can be absorbed through skin
Toxic chemicals used to flame-proof plastic materials can be absorbed into the body through skin, via contact with microplastics, new research shows.
Scientists have located and identified alterations in the monkeypox virus genome that potentially correlate with changes in the virus's transmissibility observed in the 2022 outbreak.
Dietary treatment more effective than medicines in IBS
Dietary treatment is more effective than medications in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). With dietary adjustments, more than seven out of ten patients had significantly reduced symptoms.
Key protein regulates immune response to viruses in mammal cells
Researchers have revealed the regulatory mechanism of a specific protein, TRBP, that plays a key role in balancing the immune response triggered by viral infections in mammal cells. These findings could help drive the development of antiviral therapies and nucleic acid medicines to treat genetic disorders.
Signs of multiple sclerosis show up in blood years before symptoms
In a discovery that could hasten treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), scientists have discovered a harbinger in the blood of some people who later went on to develop the disease.
Study opens new avenue for immunotherapy drug development
Researchers have designed a new method for developing immunotherapy drugs using engineered peptides to elicit a natural immune response inside the body.
Although there are still some aspects pending confirmation for its use in the clinical setting, and its resolution needs to be improved slightly, a study has shown that a method routinely used to carry out ophthalmological tests can also be used to monitor the neurodegeneration that occurs in Parkinson's patients. In the course of the research it was found that the neurodegeneration of the retina probably precedes cognitive impairment.
Why can zebrafish regenerate damaged heart tissue, while other fish species cannot?
A heart attack will leave a permanent scar on a human heart, yet other animals, including zebrafish, can clear cardiac scar tissue and regrow damaged muscle as adults. Biologists sheds new light on how zebrafish heal heart tissue by comparing how this species responds to heart injury with medaka, a fish species that cannot regenerate cardiac tissue.
Mutations in noncoding DNA become functional in some cancer-driving genes
Despite progress in defining functional elements of noncoding DNA, it is still not fully understood. Researchers, using an experiment that elucidated the function of tens of thousands of noncoding variants, discovered a link between functional mutations and genes linked to cancer pathways, as well as indicators to predict cancer patient survival. Understanding the mutations' influence on mRNA and protein production could shed light on the processes that drive cancer progression and guide advancement of testing tools.
Coal train pollution increases health risks and disparities
The first health impact study of coal train pollution centers on the San Francisco Bay Area, with scientists finding communities near passing coal trains suffer worse health outcomes.
When thoughts flow in one direction
Contrary to previous assumptions, nerve cells in the human neocortex are wired differently than in mice. The study found that human neurons communicate in one direction, while in mice, signals tend to flow in loops. This increases the efficiency and capacity of the human brain to process information. These discoveries could further the development of artificial neural networks.
A common pathway in the brain that enables addictive drugs to hijack natural reward processing
Researchers have uncovered a mechanism in the brain that allows cocaine and morphine to take over natural reward processing systems.
Metabolic health before vaccination determines effectiveness of anti-flu response
The annual influenza vaccine has become less effective on average over time. One reason may be reduced vaccine efficacy in people with obesity than those with a healthier body mass index (BMI), while the number of people with high BMI grows. Findings showed switching mice to a healthy diet four weeks before influenza vaccination protected 100% from a later flu exposure, despite still having a high BMI.
Twin studies have proven invaluable for teasing out the effects of both genetics and the environment on human biology. Researchers studied pairs of twins to look at how the interplay of genetics and environment affect cognitive processing -- the way that people think. They found that some cognitive abilities appear to be regulated more by environmental factors than by genetics.
Quick decisions in soccer enhanced by brain's ability to suppress actions
Superior decision-making in sports such as soccer could come down to the process of inhibiting a motor response, according to a new study.
Perfect balance: How the brain fine-tunes its sensitivity
A sensitive perception of the environment is crucial for guiding our behavior. However, an overly sensitive response of the brain's neural circuits to stimuli can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy. Researchers now report how neuronal networks in the mouse brain are fine-tuned.