ScienceDaily: Health - February 27, 2025
Top health research news
Problem-based learning helps students stay in school
Education experts are encouraging schools to consider problem-based learning (PBL) in a move to improve engagement and creativity among high school students. New research demonstrates how hands-on, community-based projects can deliver successful learning outcomes for disengaged students.
Drug may prevent some migraine attacks in children and teens
For children and teens living with migraine, there may be a new preventive treatment, according to a preliminary study. Researchers found the drug zonisamide, which has been used to treat seizures, may reduce migraine days in this age group. This study does not prove that zonisamide reduces migraine days; it only shows an association.
Blood test could lead to better diagnosis and management of ALS
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, can sometimes be difficult to diagnose or to predict how quickly the disease is likely to progress. A new study helps determine which blood tests are best at identifying and monitoring ALS.
Supercomputing illuminates detailed nuclear structure
Using the Frontier supercomputer at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, researchers have developed a new technique that predicts nuclear properties in record detail. The study revealed how the structure of a nucleus relates to the force that holds it together. This understanding could advance efforts in quantum physics and across a variety of sectors, from to energy production to national security.
Possible links between PFAS exposure and childhood cancers
A study has revealed possible links between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water and an increased risk of certain childhood cancers.
Nuns contribute 30 years of critical insight into dementia disorders
Researchers published a study analyzing more than 30 years of aging and dementia patterns of 678 nuns.
Extreme heat may speed up aging in older adults
A new study suggests greater exposure to extreme heat may accelerate biological aging in older adults, raising new concerns about how climate change and heat waves could affect long-term health and aging at the molecular level.
Infant mortality tied to concentration of lead in air
In a new study, researchers used data on lead emissions in the air to estimate the effects of air lead concentration on infant mortality. The study found a statistically significant relation between air lead concentration and infant mortality.
New method searches through 10 sextillion drug molecules
A recent study shows that computer algorithms can be used to find molecules that can be developed into anti-inflammatory drugs. In the article, the researchers also describe how the same strategy can be used to search through 10 sextillion alternatives to identify the best drug candidate.
Microplastics in ocean linked to disabilities for coastal residents
Tiny bits of plastic found in the ocean may be tied to a higher risk of disability for people who live in coastal areas with high levels, according to a preliminary study. The study looked at disabilities affecting memory and thinking, mobility and a person's ability to take care of oneself.
Schizophrenia is reflected in the brain structure
The symptoms of schizophrenia vary greatly from person to person. A new study shows how these differences manifest themselves in the structure of the brain.
A team of researchers has developed an advanced physics-based AI-driven tool to aid the forensic investigation of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
A protein from tiny tardigrades may help cancer patients tolerate radiation therapy
Drawing inspiration from the tardigrade, researchers developed a new strategy that may protect cancer patients from the side effects of radiation therapy.
Genetic risk of schizophrenia affects men and women differently
A research study has analyzed the relation between the genetic risk of having schizophrenia and mild subclinical traits in people of the general population. According to the study, the way the genetic risk of having this disorder affects these subclinical traits is different in men and women.
Protein design: Flexible components allow new architectures
Biophysicists have elucidated why unexpected structures can sometimes arise during protein design.
Coronary artery disease (CAD), or the narrowing of the coronary arteries, is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries, develops when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) enters the blood vessel walls through dysfunctional endothelial cells (EC), leading to the formation of plaques. Researchers developed a polygenic risk score that examines genes associated with EC function to identify individuals with higher CAD risk.
A new drug screening method could bring a solution to drug delivery and efficacy issues
A new method seeks specific molecules that can target desired tissues through the bloodstream and penetrate tissues by passing through cells. This innovation could help solve issues related to drug treatments for, for example, cancer and brain diseases, particularly as regards to drug efficacy.
How parenthood may help keep your brain young
Researchers find that parents show patterns of brain connectivity that oppose age-related changes.
Researchers making clean water more accessible
Researchers have created a new salt-blocking membrane that allows water to flow eight-times faster making desalination systems more efficient and cost-effective.
Missing protein keeps mice slim, even on a high-fat diet
Researchers investigating the role of the protein CD44 in obesity and metabolic health found that CD44-deficient mice stayed lean even on a high-fat diet, while the control mice developed obesity. A new study details the unexpected pivotal role of CD44, highlighting how it regulates fat cell formation and metabolic health.
When dads take leave, moms breastfeed longer
Fathers who take at least two weeks of leave after their child's birth are significantly more likely to report longer breastfeeding duration by the mother, according to a recent survey.
Droplet forming power is key for cells to attach properly
Cells attach to each other through carefully arranged molecules. A research team has now found that the way they organize to find their proper places is similar to how grease drops self-organize in soup.
Earliest evidence for humans in rainforests
Researchers discovered evidence for human habitation of rainforests 150,000 years ago. This pushes back the oldest known evidence of humans in rainforests by more than double the previously known estimate.
Comprehensive resource describes functions of more than 20,000 human genes
A comprehensive encyclopedia of the known functions of all protein-coding human genes has just been completed and released. Researchers used large-scale evolutionary modeling to integrate data on human genes with genetic data collected from other organisms. This has culminated in a searchable public resource that lists the known functions of more than 20,000 genes using the most accurate and complete evidence available.
AI accelerates discovery of neurodevelopmental disorder-associated genes
Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) approach that accelerates the identification of genes that contribute to neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy and developmental delay. This new powerful computational tool can help fully characterize the genetic landscape of neurodevelopmental disorders, which is key to making accurate molecular diagnosis, elucidating disease mechanism and developing targeted therapies.
Genomics approach to metabolism reveals how reactions flow
Two new papers describe a significant advance in understanding the complex functions of the metabolic network.
Bacteria consumed by immune cells become part of the cell
Immune cells that eat bacteria in the body don't stash them in specialized compartments as once thought, but turn them into critical nutrients that build proteins, create energy and keep the cells alive, according to a new study.
Discovery of rare gene variants provides window into tailored type 2 diabetes treatment
A new study details the discovery of rare gene variants that increase the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in multiple generations of Asian Indian people. The unusual finding is a step toward more targeted treatment for all people with Type 2 diabetes, a disease with complex genetic influences.
First female runner could soon break the 4-minute-mile barrier
With ideal conditions and strategic pacing and drafting, Kenyan Faith Kipyegon is on the brink of hitting the fabled track and field milestone, a new study suggests. The authors are now calling for a staged 'Breaking 4' event to help her do it.
Biological organ ages predict disease risk decades in advance
Our organs age at different rates, and a blood test determining how much they've each aged could predict the risk of conditions like lung cancer and heart disease decades later, finds a new study.
Automatic cell analysis with the help of artificial intelligence
Identifying and delineating cell structures in microscopy images is crucial for understanding the complex processes of life. This task is called 'segmentation' and it enables a range of applications, such as analyzing the reaction of cells to drug treatments, or comparing cell structures in different genotypes. It was already possible to carry out automatic segmentation of those biological structures but the dedicated methods only worked in specific conditions and adapting them to new conditions was costly. An international research team has now developed a method by retraining the existing AI-based software Segment Anything on over 17,000 microscopy images with over 2 million structures annotated by hand.
A change in child concussion management policies led to improvements in recovery time
A concussion clinic changed its childhood concussion policies in 2017. A new study of this protocol change shows the approach, which recommended concussed kids begin rehab two weeks or less after injury, benefited patients and decreased recovery time significantly.
AI model can read ECGs to identify female patients at higher risk of heart disease
A new AI model can flag female patients who are at higher risk of heart disease based on an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Designing self-destructing bacteria to make effective tuberculosis vaccines
Working toward more effective tuberculosis (TB) vaccines, researchers have developed two strains of mycobacteria with 'kill switches' that can be triggered to stop the bacteria after they activate an immune response.
Role of hormone in influencing brain reward pathway and food preferences
When faced with multiple food options and ultimately choosing one, the factors of that decision-making process may be more physiological than previously assumed. A group of scientists recently discovered that the hormone fibroblast growth factor 21, or FGF21, plays an influential role in brain reward mechanisms like those involved in dietary choices.
Researchers are investigating whether certain viruses known as bacteriophages, or phages, which specifically infect bacteria but not human cells, affect the development of type 1 diabetes in young children.
Lowering the body temperature of preterm infants (born at 33 to 35 weeks of pregnancy) with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE -- a type of brain damage caused by oxygen loss -- offers no benefits over standard care, according to a new study. Previous studies of near-term and term infants (born after 36 weeks) with HIE found that this cooling treatment, which lowers body temperature to about 92 degrees Fahrenheit, significantly reduced the risk of death or disability by age 18 months (corrected for prematurity). However, the current findings show that such benefits are not observed for preterm infants with HIE. The authors noted that use of the cooling treatment in preterm infants has increased, despite little research on its effectiveness in this age group.
Morning blue light therapy improves sleep and daily activity in older adults
Blue-enriched light can improve sleep quality and daily activity in older adults living at home, according to new research. Researchers found that this type of light therapy led to greater daytime activity, earlier bedtimes, regular sleep patterns and improved sleep quality, offering a promising, non-pharmacological approach to address age-related sleep challenges.
Screening and treating maternal psychological health key to improving cardiovascular health
Identifying and treating risk factors for depression, anxiety and other psychological health conditions during pregnancy and postpartum may improve short- and long-term health outcomes for both mother and child, according to a new scientific statement.
Modifying graphene with plasma to produce better gas sensors
Gas sensors are essential for personal safety and environmental monitoring, but traditional sensors have limitations in sensitivity and energy efficiency. Now, researchers have developed an improved gas-sensing technology by treating graphene sheets with plasma under different conditions, creating structural and chemical defects that enhance ammonia detection. These functionalized graphene sheets exhibited superior sensing performance compared to pristine graphene, potentially paving the way for wearable gas detection devices for everyday use.
Research challenges our understanding of cancer predisposition
New findings question assumptions of cancer formation in individuals with the cancer-predisposition syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, and offer hope for a personalized approach to early cancer recognition including for those with similar conditions.
One particular challenge in the treatment of cancer is therapy resistance. An international research team has now discovered a mechanism that opens up new treatment strategies for tumours in which conventional chemotherapeutic agents have reached their limits.
A new model accurately predicts the movement of elite athletes to catch the ball in parabolic flight
How does a tennis player like Carlos Alcaraz decide where to run to return Novak Djokovic's ball by just looking at the ball's initial position? These behaviours, so common in elite athletes, are difficult to explain with current computational models, which assume that the players must continuously follow the ball with their eyes. Now, researchers have developed a model that, by combining optical variables with environmental factors such as gravity, accurately predicts how a person will move to catch a moving object just from an initial glance. These results could have potential applications in fields such as robotics, sports training or even space exploration.
Researchers discover 16 new Alzheimer's disease susceptibility genes
Investigators have conducted a multi-ancestry, whole genome sequencing association study of Alzheimer's disease and found evidence for 16 new susceptibility genes, expanding the study of Alzheimer's disease in underrepresented groups.
Hormones may have therapeutic potential to prevent wrinkles, hair graying
Hormones may be leveraged to treat and prevent signs of aging such as wrinkles and hair graying, according to a new study.
Clashing with classmates: Off-putting traits spark enemy relationships
Making enemies isn't random. Traits like emotional instability, aggression, and disruptive behavior early in life can lead to antagonistic relationships. Research on students aged 9-14 found that negative behaviors, such as lack of empathy, increase the likelihood of mutual antagonisms, a pattern seen across genders and school levels. Emotionally struggling students were 35% more likely to develop enemies, showing that how we manage emotions and interact with others early on can have lasting social and emotional effects.
New study reveals Neanderthals experienced population crash 110,000 years ago
A new study suggests that Neanderthals experienced a dramatic loss of genetic variation during the course of their evolution, foreshadowing their eventual extinction. Examination of semicircular canals of ear shows Neanderthals experienced 'bottleneck' event where physical and genetic variation was lost.
Novel bone marrow transplant can cure sickle cell disease, study suggests
A bone marrow transplant process is safe and curative for adults with sickle cell disease, according to results of a trial completed at about 20 cancer centers.
'Ultra-rapid' testing unlocks cancer genetics in the operating room
A novel tool for rapidly identifying the genetic 'fingerprints' of cancer cells may enable future surgeons to more accurately remove brain tumors while a patient is in the operating room, new research reveals.
New technique reveals how the same mutations give rise to very different types of leukaemia
A study demonstrates that the 'previous state' of blood stem cells plays a decisive role in the subtype of leukemia that develops. The new technique, called STRACK, allows monitoring of the evolution of each cell before and after acquiring oncogenic mutations.
New insights into how gut cells respond to bacterial toxins
Researchers have found that specific gut cells, BEST4/CA7+ cells, regulate electrolyte and water balance in response to bacterial toxins that cause diarrhea. Their findings show that these cells greatly increase in number when exposed to the cytokine interferon- (IFN ), presenting a promising target for therapeutic strategies.
DNA origami suggests route to reusable, multifunctional biosensors
A team has used a process known as DNA origami to make electrochemical sensors that can quickly detect and measure biomarkers.
Immune 'fingerprints' aid diagnosis of complex diseases
Receptors on B and T cells hint at what the immune system is targeting. An AI approach called Mal-ID developed increases diagnostic accuracy, particularly for autoimmune diseases.
Dermatology researchers discover new skin disease using innovative diagnostic platform
Researchers described a new skin disease in a male patient with erythroderma, causing 80 percent of his skin to be covered with red, exfoliating skin lesions that itched and burned. After undergoing months of treatment with traditional therapies for erythroderma, which included the steroid prednisone, anti-itch creams, and immunosuppressive drugs, the patient experienced little relief.
Researchers advance RNA medical discovery decades ahead of schedule
Ribonucleic acid, commonly known as RNA, is involved in many biological functions, and some, including gene silencing, are utilized to cure diseases. RNA has recently gained attention as a promising drug target. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of RNA structures have been determined experimentally, and the process of uncovering these structures requires significant time and effort. Using this time scale, the structures of many life saving RNA may not be discovered for years. As a result, there is a significant gap between the types of known RNA and the available structural data. Researchers have now developed a computational solution to this problem.
Brewing tea removes lead from water
Researchers demonstrated that brewing tea naturally adsorbs heavy metals like lead and cadmium, effectively filtering dangerous contaminants out of drinks. Researchers tested different types of tea, tea bags and brewing methods. Finely ground black tea leaves performed best at removing toxic heavy metals. Longer steeping times helped tea remove larger amounts of contaminants.
Origin and diversity of Hun Empire populations
A multidisciplinary and international research project has brought fresh insights into the origins and diversity of the populations that lived under and after the Hun empire between the late 4th and 6th century CE in Central Europe. Combining forefront archaeogenomic analyses with archaeological and historical investigation, the study connects some of the European Hun-period individuals directly to some high-status elite of the earlier Xiongnu Empire -- a powerful nomadic empire centered in the Mongolian steppe centuries before the Huns emerged north and west of the Black Sea. It also shows that only few Hun-period individuals carried East-Asian ancestry, and that the newcomers of the Hun period were of rather mixed origin. Thus, it sheds light on the much-discussed population dynamics that shaped Eurasian history during Late Antiquity.
New AI model measures how fast the brain ages
A new artificial intelligence model measures how fast a patient's brain is aging and could be a powerful new tool for understanding, preventing and treating cognitive decline and dementia.
Bigger animals get more cancer, defying decades-old belief
Bigger animals consistently show higher prevalence of both benign and malignant tumors.
As dengue spreads, researchers discover a clue to fighting the virus
This research comes as dengue-carrying mosquitoes expand their territory into new regions, including Southern California.