ScienceDaily: Health - December 14, 2023
Top health research news
Scientists unveil complete cell map of a whole mammalian brain
Researchers have created a complete cell atlas of a whole mammalian brain. This atlas serves as a map for the mouse brain, describing the type, location, and molecular information of more than 32 million cells and providing information on connectivity between these cells.
Newly discovered autoimmune disorder disrupts tooth enamel development
A study may shed light on tooth enamel development disruption by revealing a new children's autoimmune disorder that hinders proper tooth enamel development. The disorder is common in people with a rare genetic syndrome and in children with celiac disease. These findings could help develop strategies for early detection and prevention of the disorder.
Cholesterol-lowering therapy may hinder aggressive type of colorectal tumor
Hard-to-detect colorectal pre-cancerous lesions known as serrated polyps, and the aggressive tumors that develop from them, depend heavily on the ramped-up production of cholesterol, according to a preclinical study. The finding points to the possibility of using cholesterol-lowering drugs to prevent or treat such tumors.
Traces of trauma in the young brain -- and how to erase them
In research conducted on mice a team discovered brain mechanisms that go awry as a result of exposure to trauma in infancy and showed that these changes may be reversible if treated early.
Workplace gossip can benefit employees and employers
New research shows how some workplace gossip could reduce the likelihood of employee turnover and, as a result, potentially boost an organization's effectiveness.
How genes in retina get regulated during development
Researchers have mapped the 3D organization of genetic material of key developmental stages of human retinal formation, using intricate models of a retina grown in the lab. The findings lay a foundation for understanding clinical traits in many eye diseases, and reveal a highly dynamic process by which the architecture of chromatin, the DNA and proteins that form chromosomes, regulates gene expression.
Infection with stomach bacteria may increase risk of Alzheimer's disease
Infection with the stomach bacterium Helicobacter pylori could increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease: In people over the age of 50, the risk following a symptomatic infection can be an average of 11 percent higher, and even more about ten years after the infection, at 24 percent greater risk.
Cause of pregnancy sickness -- and potential treatment
A new study has shown why many women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy -- and why some women, including the Duchess of Cambridge, become so sick they need to be admitted to hospital. The culprit is a hormone produced by the fetus -- a protein known as GDF15. But how sick the mother feels depends on a combination of how much of the hormone is produced by the fetus and how much exposure the mother had to this hormone before becoming pregnant.
Mice possess natural gene therapy system
A previously mysterious small RNA molecule in mice is found to play a crucial role in gene expression, and may be the first identified member of a new class of regulatory RNAs.
Large study presents evidence for behavioral sciences in policymaking
A new global study underscores the crucial role of behavioral sciences in formulating policy decisions, while also asserting the need for clear standards for what evidence gets used in policy decisions.
Cell types in the eye have ancient evolutionary origins
In a comparative analysis across vertebrates of the many cell types in the retina -- mice alone have 130 types -- researchers concluded that most cell types have an ancient evolutionary history. Their remarkable conservation across species suggests that the retina of the last common ancestor of all mammals, which roamed the earth some 200 million year ago, must have had a complexity rivaling the retina of modern mammals.
The superior colliculus in the mammalian brain takes on many important tasks by making sense of our environment. Any mistakes during the development of this brain region can lead to severe neurological disorders. Scientists have now delineated the pedigree and origin of nerve cells that make up the superior colliculus.
How stress activates neurons that disrupt sleep
New research reveals that neurons in the preoptic hypothalamus -- the region of the brain that regulates sleep and body temperature -- are rhythmically activated during non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM). Stress activates these brain cells out of turn, causing 'microarousals,' that interrupt sleep cycles and decrease the duration of sleep episodes, according to new research.
Using next-gen CRISPR tool, scientists create unprecedented molecular map of human immune response
In a study of historic scale, scientists have created an intricate map of how the immune system functions, examining the detailed molecular structures governing human T cells using the next-generation CRISPR tool known as base editing. Their findings uncover detailed information that could help overcome the limitations of today's immunotherapies and identify new drug targets for a wide range of diseases, including autoimmune diseases and cancer.
A rare enzyme role change with bacterial defense system assembly
Scientists have revealed a never-before-seen phenomenon in a protein: Alone, the enzyme processes DNA and RNA but, when bound to another protein as part of a defense system, interacts with a completely different type of compound to help bacteria commit suicide.
New chemical method advances toward targeted RNA medicine
A new scientific method holds importance in the creation of customized medicine aimed at precisely targeting diseased cells, representing a pivotal stride towards more efficient and gentle treatments to optimize patients' quality of life. The novel method has been developed to enhance the synthesis of therapeutic oligonucleotides for targeted drugs.
A sugar analysis could reveal different types of cancer
In the future, a little saliva may be enough to detect an incipient cancer. Researchers have developed an effective way to interpret the changes in sugar molecules that occur in cancer cells.
Zerbor/shutterstock.com
People who see climate change as a health threat show more interest in cancer screening
Researchers' findings support developing public health interventions that incorporate components of environmental health literacy alongside cancer screening efforts.
Protein study could one day advance Parkinson's, breast cancer care
New research could one day lead to therapies that prevent or treat diseases and infections tied to a protein that's found in all human cells. A study describes how the protein ubiquitin is modified during a bacterial infection. The study details the steps taken to create a form of the protein known as lysine 6 polyubiquitin, where a long chain of ubiquitin molecules are linked through the amino acid lysine. Previous research has indicated that this form of ubiquitin may be linked to the development of Parkinson's disease and breast cancer.
Caregiving can be stressful, but it could also lower risk of depression
Becoming a caregiver to an aging parent or spouse can be stressful, but a new study is questioning the idea that family caregiving is also a risk factor for depression.
New AI-powered algorithm could better assess people's risk of common heart condition
Early detection of atrial fibrillation can reduce the risk of stroke and heart failure, but screening people for the condition has been historically challenging.
New technique for photon detection
Researchers have developed a new technique to detect photons -- elementary particles that span from visible light to radio frequencies and are instrumental in carrying cellular communication. The advancement could lead to more precise and efficient technologies in various fields, from improving medical imaging and communication systems to enhancing scientific research and even potentially bolstering security measures. Photon detection has typically relied on change/modulation of voltage or current amplitude. But Chanda has developed a way to detect photons by modulating the frequency of an oscillating circuit, paving the path for ultra-sensitive photon detection. Chanda's method uses a special, phase-change material (PCM) that changes its form when light touches it, making an electrical rhythm that stays steady, or a stable electrical circuit oscillation.
Mammogram rates increase when patients schedule themselves
By making mammograms easy to schedule through personal online patient portals, researchers saw a significant increase in screenings for breast cancer.
Spinning up control: Propeller shape helps direct nanoparticles
Self-propelled nanoparticles could potentially advance drug delivery and lab-on-a-chip systems -- but they are prone to go rogue with random, directionless movements. Now, an international team of researchers has developed an approach to rein in the synthetic particles.
The silent killer gets louder as high blood pressure risks trend upward
Researchers have found an increased need for urgent dialysis and a rising mortality rate in people hospitalized for dangerously high blood pressure. Younger people needed more dialysis and leaner patients had a higher risk of dying in the hospital. The trends show that acute hypertension remains a serious condition. People affected need appropriate treatment to control their blood pressure and avoid hospital admission.
Liquid biopsy predicts immunotherapy response and toxicity in patients with advanced lung cancer
By monitoring changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) among 30 patients treated with immunotherapies for metastatic non-small cell lung cancers, researchers were able to determine molecular response -- the clearance of tumor genetic material in the bloodstream.
Heavy metals in our food are most dangerous for kids
Two new studies provide information on the correlation between exposure to heavy metals in food and the risk of cancers and other serious health risks.
Is age linked to the picture of the perfect partner?
How do women picture the partner of their dreams? And how does this vary between women based on their age? A team of researchers has investigated the complex relationships between age and preferences for a partner in a large, international sample of single women. The study found that most preferences for a partner showed no variation between women of different ages. However, higher age was linked to a preference for confident and assertive partners, as well as acceptance of a larger age range, in particular a higher acceptance of a partner being younger than oneself. Age was also linked to the parenting intentions of the ideal partner: consistently high in importance until approximately age 28 and then decreasing thereafter.
The configuration of green spaces in cities determines the characteristics of their birds
An international study has analyzed the distribution of 115 species of birds in spring and 72 that spend the winter in different cities. The study provides information on how to design urban areas that favor biodiversity and public wellbeing.
Nearly 40% of Type 2 diabetes patients stop taking their second-line medication
Most patients with Type 2 diabetes will end up needing to add a second-line medication after metformin -- the go-to primary drug for glucose management -- to control their blood sugar levels. But adherence to these second-line drugs can be hit or miss, reports a new study. Among patients prescribed glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), half (50%) discontinued treatment.
Understudied cell in the brain could be key to treating glioblastoma
Glioblastoma is one of the most treatment-resistant cancers, with those diagnosed surviving for less than two years. In a new study, researchers have found that a largely understudied cell could offer new insight into how the aggressive, primary brain cancer is able to resist immunotherapy.
It's official: The ketogenic diet proved to be effective at controlling polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in the first randomized controlled clinical trial of ketogenic metabolic therapy for PKD.
Clues to preventing Alzheimer's come from patient who, despite genetics, evaded disease
A woman who never developed Alzheimer's despite a strong genetic predisposition may hold the key to stopping the disease in its tracks. Studying the woman's unique complement of genetic mutations, researchers have found clues that could help cut the link between the early, asymptomatic stage and the late stage, when cognitive decline sets in.
Advancements in the care of premature babies are leading to improved survival rates. However, the incidence of neonatal diseases with life-long consequences such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is increasing. A novel study has implicated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in both BPD and ROP, making it a promising therapeutic candidate.
Tirzepatide enhances weight loss with sustained treatment but discontinuation leads to weight regain
The current class of anti-obesity drugs is proving remarkably effective at removing excess pounds. However, a phase 3 randomized clinical trial found that people who stopped taking the medication regained much of that weight within a year. At the same time, the study shows that remaining on the drug not only promotes additional weight loss but preserves improvements in metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Stem cell study reveals how infantile cystinosis causes kidney failure -- and how to cure it
New research has identified how a misstep in the genesis of a key component of the kidney causes infantile cystinosis, a rare disease that significantly shortens the lifespan of patients. The work reveals that the mechanisms that cause the disease could be addressed and potentially cured through the genome-editing technique CRISPR. That could make kidney transplants, the most effective treatment currently available for these patients, unnecessary.
Made-to-order diagnostic tests may be on the horizon
Researchers have made a breakthrough in diagnostic technology, inventing a 'lab on a chip' that can be 3D-printed in just 30 minutes. The chip has the potential to make on-the-spot testing widely accessible.
Holidays crank up kilos for kids
On the cusp of summer holidays, Aussie kids are looking forward to some well-deserved time off. But too much downtime could create health problems, as new research shows that holidays are the prime time for excessive weight gain in kids.
New study reveals latest data on global burden of cardiovascular disease
A world without cardiovascular disease (CVD) is possible, yet millions of lives are lost prematurely to heart disease each year, according to the new report. The report provides an update of health estimates for the global, regional and national burden and trends of CVD from 1990-2022 by analyzing the impact of cardiovascular conditions and risk factors across 21 global regions.
New therapeutic target for rare type of childhood epilepsy
Researchers have identified a potential treatment target for a genetic type of epilepsy.
Groundbreaking research offers early clues to stomach cancer development
Scientists have decoded critical genetic factors in intestinal metaplasia patients, shedding light on early signs and prevention strategies for stomach cancer -- often a 'ticking time bomb' as patients experience no or only mild symptoms in the early stages.
Caffeine highs and lows soccer players should be aware of
Caffeine can have a negative impact on football players' decision-making skills, new research shows. A study has found that while consuming caffeine before a game can improve the accuracy of football passes, it can have an adverse effect on more tactical play involving a higher number of passes.
Similarity between vitamin B12 loss and multiple sclerosis revealed
Researchers describe a novel molecular link between vitamin B12 and MS that takes place in astrocytes -- important non-neuronal glial cells in the brain.
New way to force pathogenic proteins into degradation
A number of diseases are caused by proteins that have spun out of control. Unfortunately, so far, conventional drugs have been able to stop only a fraction of these troublemakers. A new class of drugs known as PROTACs holds great promise in pharmaceutical research. They mark proteins for targeted degradation by the cell's own protein disposal system.
Non-invasive technology for the high-throughput characterization of cancer cells
The electrical properties of cancer cells can provide information on their cancer type, state, and drug resistance. However, conventional platforms to measure these properties are complex and can only analyze a few cells. Researchers have successfully developed a high-throughput device that measures the electrical properties of cancer cells through continuous flow electrorotation. The new platform offers a high degree of automation and can simultaneously analyze several cells.
Science sheds light on shaking your holiday presents
Nanoparticle-delivered RNA reduces neuroinflammation in lab tests
In mice and human cell cultures, researchers showed that novel nanoparticles can deliver a potential therapy for inflammation in the brain, a prominent symptom in Alzheimer's disease.
Just say no to that invitation
It may feel unforgivably rude to reject an invitation -- even one to an event you would much prefer not to attend -- but people often overestimate the social consequences of saying no, according to new research.
Study reveals a protein called snail may play a role in healing brain injury
A new study provides us with a better understanding of how the brain responds to injuries. Researchers have discovered that a protein called Snail plays a key role in coordinating the response of brain cells after an injury.
Hodgkin lymphoma prognosis, biology tracked with circulating tumor DNA
Circulating tumor DNA predicts recurrence and splits disease into two subgroups of Hodgkin lymphoma. New drug targets or changes in treatments may reduce toxicity.
Potential new treatment for pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors
Medical researchers found a way to grow samples of different types of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in the lab. While generating their new model, the researchers discovered that some pulmonary NETs need the protein EGF to be able to grow. These types of tumors may therefore be treatable using inhibitors of the EGF receptor.
AI chatbot shows potential as diagnostic partner
Physician-investigators compared a chatbot's probabilistic reasoning to that of human clinicians. The findings suggest that artificial intelligence could serve as useful clinical decision support tools for physicians.
Early results from a Phase I clinical trial of AT101, a new CAR T cell therapy that uses a distinct binding mechanism to target CD19, show a 100 percent complete response (CR) rate at the higher dose levels studied in the trial.
'Exceptional' results in phase III leukemia trial
Leukaemia trial shows 'exceptional' results. Personalized treatment for the most common form of adult leukemia helps patients survive for longer and stay in remission, a phase III trial has found. Adult patients were given a combination of cancer growth blocking drugs over varied durations depending on how rapidly their disease responded. More than 19 in 20 patients were in remission three years after starting treatment -- a significant improvement in progression-free and overall survival compared to standard treatment.
Battle of the AIs in medical research: ChatGPT vs Elicit
A research team has focused on generative AI as an information-gathering tool in the medical field. The results showed that one of the generative AIs suggested mostly fictitious references, while the other suggested multiple references with the same level of accuracy as the researchers. It is advised to use different generative AIs depending on the type of information needed.
What happens when the brain loses a hub?
Neuroscientists have obtained the first direct recordings of the human brain in the minutes before and after a brain hub crucial for language meaning was surgically disconnected. The results reveal the importance of brain hubs in neural networks and the remarkable way in which the human brain attempts to compensate when a hub is lost, with immediacy not previously observed.
Zika's shape-shifting machinery, and a possible vulnerability
Viruses have limited genetic material -- and few proteins -- so all the pieces must work extra hard. Zika is a great example; the virus only produces 10 proteins. Now researchers have shown how the virus does so much with so little and may have identified a therapeutic vulnerability.
Potential new drug treatment for multiple sclerosis
Pre-clinical studies using a small molecule drug have shown promise as a potential new treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS).
Genetic mutations that promote reproduction tend to shorten human lifespan, study shows
A study based on a review of genetic and health information from more than 276,000 people finds strong support for a decades-old evolutionary theory that sought to explain aging and senescence.
Major breakthrough for severe asthma treatment
A landmark study has shown that severe asthma can be controlled using biologic therapies, without the addition of regular high-dose inhaled steroids which can have significant side effects.
