ScienceDaily: Health - January 04, 2024
Top health research news
Many bacterial pathogens use small injection apparatuses to manipulate the cells of their hosts, such as humans, so that they can spread throughout the body. To do this, they need to fill their syringes with the relevant injection agent. A technique that tracks the individual movement of proteins revealed how bacteria accomplish this challenging task.
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Reprogrammed fat cells support tumor growth
Mutations of the tumor suppressor p53 not only have a growth-promoting effect on the cancer cells themselves, but also influence the cells in the tumor's microenvironment. Scientists have now shown that p53-mutated mouse breast cancer cells reprogram fat cells. The manipulated fat cells create an inflammatory microenvironment, impairing the immune response against the tumor and thus promoting cancer growth.
Foundation laid for improved diagnostic imaging of brain tumors
Research team draws up criteria for PET-based examinations of malignant brain tumors.
New reasons eating less fat should be one of your resolutions
A new study to motivate your New Year's resolutions: it demonstrates that high-fat diets negatively impact genes linked not only to obesity, colon cancer and irritable bowels, but also to the immune system and brain function.
Potency of synthetic antibiotic against serious chronic infections
A new synthetic antibiotic is shown to be more effective than established drugs against 'superbugs' such as MRSA, a new study shows.
Acetaminophen use during pregnancy linked to language delays in children
Acetaminophen is considered the safest over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer available during pregnancy. Studies have shown that 50%-65% of women in North America and Europe take acetaminophen during pregnancy. A new study explored the relationship between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and language outcomes in early childhood. It found that increasing acetaminophen use was associated with language delays.
Researchers identify path to prevent cognitive decline after radiation
Researchers find that microglia --the brain's immune cells -- can trigger cognitive deficits after radiation exposure and may be a key target for preventing these symptoms.
Human beliefs about drugs could have dose-dependent effects on the brain
Mount Sinai researchers have shown for the first time that a person's beliefs related to drugs can influence their own brain activity and behavioral responses in a way comparable to the dose-dependent effects of pharmacology.
Chronic childhood ear infections delay language development
The temporary, repeated hearing loss caused by chronic ear infections can affect language skills years later.
Epilepsy drug shows promise in slowing joint degeneration in osteoarthritis
Researchers have identified a drug target that may alleviate joint degeneration associated with osteoarthritis, a debilitating condition that afflicts as many as 30 million people in the United States alone. Pain relievers and lifestyle changes, such as exercise and reduced excess weight, have long been the therapies most commonly used to treat the joint stiffness and pain caused by degenerative disease, but there is a pressing need for therapies that can prevent joint breakdown that occurs in osteoarthritis.
A previously unidentified genetic mutation in a small protein provides significant protection against Parkinson's disease and offers a new direction for exploring potential treatments, according to a new study.
Combine mindfulness with exercise for mental health boost in 2024
New research shows how combining mindfulness with exercise boosts people's mental health and well-being and could help change exercise habits.
New AI tool brings precision pathology for cancer and beyond into quicker, sharper focus
Researchers developed an artificial intelligence tool to quickly analyze gene activities in medical images and provide single-cell insight into diseases in tissues and tissue micro-environments.
New method illuminates druggable sites on proteins
Scientists develop a new, high-resolution technique for finding potential therapeutic targets on proteins in living cells. The findings could lead to more targeted therapeutics for nearly any human disease.
Elusive cytonemes guide neural development, provide signaling 'express route'
Discover the first images of cytonemes during mammalian neural development, serving as express routes to establish morphogen gradients and tissue patterning.
Calcium channel blockers key to reversing myotonic dystrophy muscle weakness
New research has identified the specific biological mechanism behind the muscle dysfunction found in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and further shows that calcium channel blockers can reverse these symptoms in animal models of the disease. The researchers believe this class of drugs, widely used to treat a number of cardiovascular diseases, hold promise as a future treatment for DM1.
Influencers' vulnerabilities: A double-edged sword
New research finds that social media platforms and the metrics that reward content creators for revealing their innermost selves to fans open creators up to identity-based harassment.
Aptamers: lifesavers; ion shields: aptamer guardians
Aptamers, nucleic acids capable of selectively binding to viruses, proteins, ions, small molecules, and various other targets, are garnering attention in drug development as potential antibody substitutes for their thermal and chemical stability as well as ability to inhibit specific enzymes or target proteins through three-dimensional binding. They also hold promise for swift diagnoses of colon cancer and other challenging diseases by targeting elusive biomarkers. Despite their utility, these aptamers are susceptible to easy degradation by multiple enzymes, presenting a significant challenge.
A novel switch to turn genes on/off on cue, a promising step toward safer gene therapy
Just like a doctor adjusts the dose of a medication to the patient's needs, the expression of therapeutic genes, those modified in a person to treat or cure a disease via gene therapy, also needs to be maintained within a therapeutic window. Staying within the therapeutic window is important as too much of the protein could be toxic, and too little could result in a small or no therapeutic effect. Researchers now report on a technology to effectively regulate gene expression, a promising solution to fill this gap in gene therapy clinical applications.
'Nutritional quality must be at the heart of climate smart agriculture' -- researchers
Farmers in sub-Saharan Africa need to diversify away from growing maize and switch to crops that are resilient to climate change and supply enough key micronutrients for the population, according to a major research study. Maize is a staple crop across the region -- where it is grown and consumed in vast quantities.
Healthy omega-3 fats may slow deadly pulmonary fibrosis
Higher levels of omega-3, the healthy fat found in fish and nuts, were associated with better lung function and longer transplant-free survival.
Revolutionary nanodrones enable targeted cancer treatment
A research team has unveiled a remarkable breakthrough in cancer treatment.
Low-carbohydrate diets comprised mostly of plant-based proteins and fats with healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains were associated with slower long-term weight gain than low-carbohydrate diets comprised mostly of animal proteins and fats with unhealthy carbohydrates like refined starches, according to a new study.
Study identifies 'visual system' protein for circadian rhythm stability
Scientists have identified a protein in the visual system of mice that appears to be key for stabilizing the body's circadian rhythms by buffering the brain's response to light. The finding advances efforts to better treat sleep disorders and jet lag, the study authors say.
Risk of young-onset dementia could be reduced through targeting health and lifestyle factors
Researchers have identified a wide range of risk factors for young-onset dementia. The findings challenge the notion that genetics are the sole cause of the condition, laying the groundwork for new prevention strategies.
Scientists use organoid model to identify potential new pancreatic cancer treatment
A drug screening system that models cancers using lab-grown tissues called organoids has helped uncover a promising target for future pancreatic cancer treatments.
Predicting Alzheimer's dementia in oldest of the old
A new study indicates that severity of amyloid deposition in the brain -- not just age -- may be key to determining who will benefit from new therapies that delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease.