ScienceDaily: Health - August 22, 2024
Top health research news
The changes to cell DNA that could revolutionize disease prevention
Researchers have discovered a mechanism in DNA that regulates how disease-causing mutations are inherited. The team identified two enzymes that regulate a chemical modification, 6mA, in mitochondrial DNA. Without the modification, DNA mutations accumulate. These mutations contribute to diseases like dementia, cancer, and diabetes. The study shows that the 6mA modification controls these mutations, suggesting that enhancing its levels could slow disease progression.
Gut molecule slows fat burning during fasting
In a struggle that probably sounds familiar to dieters everywhere, the less a Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worm eats, the more slowly it loses fat. Now, scientists have discovered why: a small molecule produced by the worms' intestines during fasting travels to the brain to block a fat-burning signal during this time.
Next time you beat a virus, thank your microbial ancestors
When you get infected with a virus, some of the first weapons your body deploys to fight it were passed down to us from our microbial ancestors billions of years ago. According to new research, two key elements of our innate immune system came from a group of microbes called Asgard archaea.
Study of pythons could lead to new therapies for heart disease, other illnesses
In the first 24 hours after a python devours its massive prey, its heart grows bigger, softer and stronger and its metabolism speeds up forty-fold. The extraordinary process could inspire novel treatments for heart disease and metabolic disorders.]
Image: Lauren Suryanata/Shutterstock.com
Study finds no link between migraine and Parkinson's disease
Contrary to previous research, a new study of female participants finds no link between migraine and the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
The role of an energy-producing enzyme in treating Parkinson's disease
An enzyme called PGK1 has an unexpectedly critical role in the production of chemical energy in brain cells, according to a preclinical study. The investigators found that boosting its activity may help the brain resist the energy deficits that can lead to Parkinson's disease.
Scientists have found infants and young children treated for brain tumors fell behind early in academic readiness, which predicted falling behind in later school years.
New insights and potential treatments for pulmonary hypertension
A new study has found that asporin, a protein encoded by the ASPN gene, plays a protective role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Obese children are more likely to develop skin conditions related to the immune system
Childhood obesity can contribute to the development of common immune-mediated skin diseases (IMSDs), such as alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis, new research finds. Maintaining a healthy weight could potentially help lower the chances of developing these skin conditions. A novel study details the findings of an analysis of 2,161,900 Korean children from 2009 to 2020 to investigate the relationship between obesity or dynamic changes in body weight and the development of IMSDs.
Separating the physical and psychosocial causes of pain
Not all pain is the same. Depending on the cause, it requires different therapies. A team has now developed a method that enables physicians to better distinguish between physical and psychosocial pain.
Positive effects of rhythm and music in brain disorder
Music-based movement therapy, known as the Ronnie Gardiner Method, has the potential to contribute to rehabilitation after a stroke and in other brain disorders.
P-bodies sustain acute myeloid leukemia
An international team of scientists has uncovered a mechanism by which acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells sustain their growth. AML cells prevent the synthesis of proteins that suppress their growth by forcibly isolating the mRNAs that encode such proteins within structures known as P-bodies. These findings offer a novel perspective into the survival mechanisms of AML and possibilities for new anti-cancer therapies.
More academic freedom leads to more innovation
The innovative strength of a society depends on the level of academic freedom. An international team has now demonstrated this relationship. The researchers analyzed patent applications and patent citations in a sample from around 160 countries over the 1900--2015 period in relation to indicators used in the Academic Freedom Index. In view of the global decline in academic freedom over the past 10 years, the researchers predict a loss in innovative output.
Study reveals best exercise for type-1 diabetes patients
A new study has revealed the best types of exercise for patients with type-1 diabetes.
Study assesses seizure risk from stimulating thalamus
In awake mice, researchers found that even low deep brain stimulation currents in the central thalamus could sometimes still cause electrographic seizures.
Hepatic disease: A camu-camu fruit extract to reduce liver fat
A research team has shown the benefits of camu-camu on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This exotic fruit reduces liver fat levels.
Study reveals doubled risk of preterm birth for IVF pregnancies complicated by placental abruption
Known risks from assisted reproductive technology and early placenta separation combine for a larger overall preterm delivery risk.
Occupational exposure to particles may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease
Exposure to dust and particles at work may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease, a new study shows. Among Swedish construction workers, followed since the 1970s, the risk was 15% higher among exposed.
Targeted cancer cell therapy may slow endometrial cancer
There may be a way to slow the growth of endometrial cancer using targeted cancer cell therapy to silence the ERBB2 gene expression.
Benefits and downside of fasting
Researchers identified a signaling pathway in mice that boosts intestinal stem cells' regeneration abilities after fasting. When cancerous mutations occurred during this regenerative period, mice were more likely to develop early-stage intestinal tumors.
Inflammation during childhood linked to onset of mental health issues in early adulthood
Children who have persistently raised inflammation are at a higher risk of experiencing serious mental health disorders including psychosis and depression in early adulthood.
Self-repairing mitochondria use novel recycling system
A newly identified identified cellular mechanism allows mitochondria to recycle localized damage and maintain healthy function.
High or low oxygen levels are safe during heart surgery, study finds
A recent study explored one possible cause -- hyperoxia or high concentrations of oxygen given to such patients during surgery -- as opposed to doses more similar to air. The study concluded that hyperoxia increased oxidative stress during surgery, but this effect did not persist after surgery and did not lead to more acute kidney injury.
Surprising mechanism for removing dead cells identified
A tandem signaling process turns ordinary cells into an efficient cleanup crew.
Discovery of 'item memory' brain cells offers new Alzheimer's treatment target
Researchers have discovered the neurons responsible for 'item memory,' deepening our understanding of how the brain stores and retrieves the details of 'what' happened and offering a new target for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Study finds long COVID affects adolescents differently than younger children
Scientists investigating long COVID in youth found similar but distinguishable patterns between school-age children (ages 6-11 years) and adolescents (ages 12-17 years) and identified their most common symptoms.
Compound in rosemary extract can reduce cocaine sensitivity
A team of researchers has discovered that an antioxidant found in rosemary extract can reduce volitional intakes of cocaine by moderating the brain's reward response, offering a new therapeutic target for treating addiction.
Organized youth sports are increasingly for the privileged
A sweeping study of U.S. youth sports participation over the past 60 years found that there has been a significant increase over time in kids playing organized sports -- but particularly among more privileged, educated families.
Researchers have used artificial intelligence tools to accelerate the understanding of the risk of specific cardiac arrhythmias when various parts of the heart are exposed to different thresholds of radiation as part of a treatment plan for lung cancer.
Novel molecular imaging tool objectively measures and diagnoses smell disorders
A new fluorescent imaging probe can for the first time objectively and non-invasively measure loss of smell, clinically known as anosmia. Targeting the olfactory nerve, the new tool has potential to eliminate biopsies used to diagnose certain anosmia conditions and to aid in the development of therapeutic interventions.
It only takes 15 minutes to change your health
Corporate Cup, lunchtime yoga, or even 'walk and talks', organizations come up with all sorts of wellness initiatives to encourage people to be more active in the workplace. But before you duck and hide, new research shows that all it takes is 15 minutes and a touch of gamification to put you on the path to success.
Gut bioelectricity provides a path for 'bad' bacteria to cause diseases
Researchers have discovered a novel bioelectrical mechanism that pathogens like Salmonella use to find entry points in the gut lining that would allow pathogens to pass and cause infection.
Hospital bacteria tracked better than ever before with new technique
New method provides high-resolution surveillance data about multiple common antibiotic-resistant bacteria at once and could help prevent the spread of infections.
Meat consumption, particularly consumption of processed meat and unprocessed red meat, is associated with a higher type 2 diabetes risk, an analysis of data from 1.97 million participants.
Mother's gut microbiome during pregnancy shapes baby's brain development
A study in mice has found that the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve in the mother's gut during pregnancy supports healthy brain development in the fetus.
Incorporating humidity improves estimations of climate impacts on health
Governments, medical institutions and other bodies require accurate models on health-related matters in order to better organize their activities. Climate change has measurable impacts on society, including on human mortality. However, current models to assess the health impacts of climate change do not account for every environmental parameter, especially humidity, which could influence heat stress perceived by the human body, leaving room for improvement. Researchers have now incorporated humidity data from hundreds of cities into so-called heat stress indicators (HSIs) and assessed their performances in predicting heat-related deaths.
How early-life antibiotics turn immunity into allergy
Researchers have shown how and why the depletion of microbes in a newborn's gut by antibiotics can lead to lifelong respiratory allergies. The research team identified a specific cascade of events that lead to allergies and asthma, opening many new avenues for exploring potential preventions and treatments.
Aceneuramic acid is the first approved drug for GNE myopathy treatment
A clinical trial has led to the approval of a treatment for patients with a rare, muscle-weakening disease called GNE myopathy.
New worm study paves way for better RNA-based drugs to treat human disease
Researchers have discovered RNA mechanisms that may lead to more effective, durable and targeted treatments for conditions like high cholesterol, liver diseases and cancers.
Deadly sea snail toxin could be key to making better medicines
Scientists are finding clues for how to treat diabetes and hormone disorders in an unexpected place: a toxin from one of the most venomous animals on the planet.
'Molecular compass' points way to reduction of animal testing
Machine learning models have become increasingly popular for risk assessment of chemical compounds. However, they are often considered 'black boxes' due to their lack of transparency. To increase confidence in these models, researchers proposed carefully identifying the areas of chemical space where these models are weak. They developed an innovative software tool for this purpose, and the results of this research approach have just been published.
Precision therapy for metastatic prostate cancer improves survival
Men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer should be treated primarily with second-generation hormone drugs, which offer better treatment response and longer life expectancy than chemotherapy. However, the effect depends on which mutations the patient's tumor carries, according to a new study.
Scientists discover new code governing gene activity
A newly discovered code within DNA -- coined 'spatial grammar' -- holds a key to understanding how gene activity is encoded in the human genome. This breakthrough finding revealed a long-postulated hidden spatial grammar embedded in DNA. The research could reshape scientists' understanding of gene regulation and how genetic variations may influence gene expression in development or disease.
Type 2 diabetes increased by almost 20% over a decade in U.S., study finds
Type 2 diabetes increased by almost 20% between 2012 and 2022 in the United States, according to a new study. The researchers found an increase in diabetes among all sociodemographic groups. But non-Hispanic Black people were particularly hard hit by the disease, with just under 16% of Black study participants reporting being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
Growth from adversity: How older adults bounced back from the COVID-19 pandemic
The study highlights the remarkable resilience of older adults (median age 86) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disruptions to their routines led many to discover new hobbies like gardening and painting and explore virtual activities such as online yoga. While 51% experienced psychosocial issues such as anxiety and depression, 86% did not see worsening of their medical conditions and supported pandemic precautions. Despite the hardships, including the loss of residents and increased use of antidepressants and telehealth, many found joy and growth in their altered circumstances.
T helper cells may be the key to improving annual influenza vaccines
Scientists have discovered why the flu vaccine can perform poorly. They found that a specific type of immune cell, called T follicular helper cells, indirectly controls the anti-influenza response. These helper cells often 'see' the wrong parts of the virus, likely leading to immunity that is less effective.
Researchers uncover a link between cognition and brain networks prior to psychotic break in individuals at risk of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
Cognitive behavioral therapy app improves anxiety in young adults
Researchers found that a self-guided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) app, called Maya, significantly reduced anxiety in young adults struggling with mental health challenges. The decrease in anxiety symptoms was clinically and statistically significant at six weeks and continued at the 12-week follow-up period with improvement levels similar to anxiety medication studies.
'Heart-in-a-box' better than cooler for heart transplants
The risk of early heart failure after heart transplantation is lower if the donor heart is stored in a so-called heart-in-a-box instead of in the usual cooler with ice.
Blood platelet score detects previously unmeasured risk of heart attack and stroke
A new study created a score to identify patients with platelet hyperreactivity and risk of related, future cardiovascular disease.
Researcher says more validation needed for increase in gallbladder surgeries
Although surgery is a common treatment for patients diagnosed with biliary dyskinesia, or functional gallbladder disorder, a medical researcher is questioning why the practice has become so widespread when little clinical research is available.
Heart data unlocks sleep secrets
Computer science researchers have developed an approach that matches the performance of expert-scored polysomnography using just a single-lead echocardiogram. In addition to simplifying a typically expensive and cumbersome process, this insight highlights a deeper connection between the heart and the brain than previously understood.
For some older adults with kidney failure, dialysis may not be the best option
A recent study found that frail older patients who waited to start dialysis died only nine days earlier on average -- and spent more time at home -- than those who began treatment immediately.
Researchers develop an instant version of trendy, golden turmeric milk
If you've visited a trendy cafe in the past few years, you might have noticed 'golden' turmeric milk on the menu. This fancy drink is caffeine-free, coffee-free and can even be vegan. And now, researchers have developed an efficient method to make a powdered, plant-based, instant version that maintains the beneficial properties of the ingredients while also extending its shelf life.
Peering into the mind of artificial intelligence to make better antibiotics
Artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded in popularity as of late. But just like a human, it's hard to read an AI model's mind. Explainable AI (XAI) could help us do just that by providing justification for a model's decisions. And now, researchers are using XAI to scrutinize predictive AI models more closely, which could help make better antibiotics.
Evidence stacks up for poisonous books containing toxic dyes
Some of the attractive hues of brightly colored, cloth-bound books from the Victorian era come from dyes that could pose a health risk to readers, collectors or librarians. The latest research on these 'poison books' used three techniques -- including one that hasn't previously been applied to books -- to assess dangerous dyes in a university collection and found some volumes had levels that might be unsafe.
Improving access to heart-failure screening with saliva
Heart failure is a leading cause of death worldwide and is especially deadly for people who don't have access to medical facilities. A team of researchers aims to bring heart failure screening from the lab to the home with a point-of-care electrochemical biosensor prototype that measures levels of two biomarkers for heart failure in as little as 15 minutes from just a drop of saliva.
Expanding a child's heart implant with light
Children born with certain heart defects undergo a series of invasive surgeries early in life. The first surgery includes implantation of a shunt to improve blood flow. However, as children grow, the shunt must be replaced to accommodate their changing bodies. Now, researchers report designing a shunt that expands when activated by light. This device could reduce the number of open-chest surgeries these children receive.
Action plan to help patients with lung disease cope with wildfire smoke
A multidisciplinary team has developed an action plan to help patients with respiratory diseases mitigate the consequences of poor air quality from wildfires.
Study explains why laws are written in an incomprehensible style
A new study on 'legalese' suggests this convoluted language acts to convey a sense of authority in legal documents. The researchers also found that even non-lawyers use legalese when asked to write laws.