ScienceDaily: Health - January 09, 2025
Top health research news
How people make life's biggest decisions
Some decisions in life are so significant that they have a massive impact on the course of a person's future. Whether it's the decision to emigrate, quit a job, end a long-term relationship, or report a sexual assault, these choices are transformative. They shape personal identities and life trajectories in unpredictable and often irreversible ways. A new conceptual paper offers a framework for understanding and studying these life-changing decisions.
Using robots in nursing homes linked to higher employee retention, better patient care
Facing high employee turnover and an aging population, nursing homes have increasingly turned to robots to complete a variety of care tasks, but few researchers have explored how these technologies impact workers and the quality of care. A new study on the future of work finds that robot use is associated with increased employment and employee retention, improved productivity and a higher quality of care.
What is the average wait time to see a neurologist in US?
Older people wait an average of just over a month to see a neurologist for specialty care after being referred by their primary care physician or another physician, according to a new study. The study, which looked at people who have Medicare insurance, also found some people wait more than three months to see a neurologist.
AI predicts cancer prognoses, responses to treatment
A new artificial intelligence tool combines data from medical images with text to predict cancer prognoses and treatment responses.
Tumor-secreted protein may hold the key to better treatments for deadly brain tumor
A study has found targeting a protein called endocan and its related signaling pathway could be a promising new approach for treating glioblastoma, an aggressive and lethal type of brain cancer.
AI could improve the success of IVF treatment
Artificial Intelligence (AI) could help doctors identify follicles that are most likely to lead to the birth of a baby during IVF treatment more precisely than current methods.
Preventing clinical depression: Early therapeutic interventions offer protection
Even individuals whose symptoms do not yet meet the criteria for clinical depression benefit from therapeutic interventions. This conclusion comes from a new meta-study by researchers who analyzed data from 30 studies. Participants who received interventions were significantly less likely to develop clinical depression within the first year.
Using AI to predict the outcome of aggressive skin cancers
Research demonstrates that AI can determine the course and severity of aggressive skin cancers, such as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), to enhance clinical decision making by generating personalzsed predictions of treatment specific outcomes for patients and their doctors.
The 'red advantage' is no longer true for Olympic combat sports
Wearing a red outfit in combat sports has been believed to provide an advantage for athletes, but a new study suggests there is no longer any truth in the claim.
Scientists have conducted a pioneering study on the benefits of intermittent fasting. Not eating anything from 5 p.m. until 9 a.m. the following day (early fasting) helps to a greater extent to improve blood sugar regulation and reduce abdominal subcutaneous fat, i.e. the fat just under the skin.
Study advances possible blood test for early-stage Alzheimer's disease
Declining blood levels of two molecules that occur naturally in the body track closely with worsening Alzheimer's disease, particularly in women. Levels were found to drop gradually, from women with no signs of memory, disorientation, and slowed thinking to those with early signs of mild cognitive impairment. Decreases were more prominent in women with moderate or severe stages of the disease. Declines in men were evident in only one molecule, revealing a disease-specific difference between the men and women.
A new era in genetic engineering
Researchers describe minimal versatile genetic perturbation technology (mvGPT). Capable of precisely editing genes, activating gene expression and repressing genes all at the same time, the technology opens new doors to treating genetic diseases and investigating the fundamental mechanisms of how our DNA functions.
Elderberry juice shows benefits for weight management, metabolic health
Elderberry juice may be a potent tool for weight management and enhancing metabolic health, according to a recent study. A clinical trial found that drinking 12 ounces of elderberry juice daily for a week causes positive changes in the gut microbiome and improves glucose tolerance and fat oxidation.
Exposure to aircraft noise linked to worse heart function
People who live close to airports and are exposed to high aircraft noise levels could be at greater risk of poor heart function, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks, life-threatening heart rhythms and strokes, according to a new study.
How deep sleep clears a mouse's mind, literally
A good night's sleep does more than just help you feel rested--it might literally clear your mind. A new study shows how deep sleep may wash away waste buildup in the brain during waking hours, an essential process for maintaining brain health. The findings also offer insights into how sleep aids may disrupt the 'brainwashing' system, potentially affecting cognitive function in the long run.
Human 'domainome' reveals root cause of heritable disease
Unstable proteins are the main drivers of many different heritable diseases, according to a new study, including genetic disorders responsible for the formation of cataracts, and different types of rare neurological, developmental and muscle-wasting diseases. Unstable proteins are more likely to misfold and degrade, causing them to stop working or accumulate in harmful amounts inside cells.
Study sheds light on depression in community-dwelling older adults
Marked variation in the prevalence of depression was found in a multisite sample of community-dwelling older adults in the United States.
New AI predicts inner workings of cells
In the same way that ChatGPT understands human language, a new AI model developed by computational biologists captures the language of cells to accurately predict their activities.
A collaborative effort has shed valuable light on how monoamine neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and now histamine help regulate brain physiology and behavior through chemical bonding of these monoamines to histone proteins, the core DNA-packaging proteins of our cells.
How electrical synapses fine-tune sensory information for better decisions
Scientists have taken a major step in understanding how animal brains make decisions, revealing a crucial role for electrical synapses in 'filtering' sensory information. The new research demonstrates how a specific configuration of electrical synapses enables animals to make context-appropriate choices, even when faced with similar sensory inputs.
Researchers resolve uncertainty in BRCA2 testing, improving cancer risk assessment and patient care
Findings from a multi-institutional, international study have significantly advanced the understanding of genetic alterations in the BRCA2 gene, a key player in hereditary cancer risk.
Potential new therapeutic targets for Huntington's disease
A research team has discovered intricate molecular mechanisms driving the RNA processing defects that lead to Huntington's disease and link HD with other neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal lobar dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Signaling circuit interplay pushes newborn neurons out of the neuronal nest
Scientists have uncovered the intricate circuit cues behind neuronal cell maturation and migration, which is required for proper cognitive function.
Cell-based therapy improves outcomes in a pig model of heart attacks
In a large-animal model study, researchers have found that heart attack recovery is aided by injection of heart muscle cell spheroids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, or hiPSCs, that overexpress cyclin D2 and are knocked out for human leukocyte antigen classes I and II. This research used a pig model of heart attacks.
Ketamine use on the rise in U.S. adults; new trends emerge
According to a new study, ketamine use has risen significantly since 2015. The results highlight the need for closer monitoring of recreational ketamine use.
Morning coffee may protect the heart better than all-day coffee drinking
People who drink coffee in the morning have a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and a lower overall mortality risk compared to all-day coffee drinkers, according to new research.
How our cells dispose of waste and ways to control it
Cells degrade components that are no longer needed through autophagy. New results show that a weak molecular interaction is essential for this process. By modifying this interaction, it is possible to artificially trigger autophagy, which could then enable the degradation of deposits in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, or support cancer therapies.
Study challenges traditional risk factors for brain health in the oldest-old
A study has found cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which are known to contribute to brain blood vessel damage in younger populations, not to be associated with an increased risk of such harm in individuals 90 and older.
Predicting the progression of autoimmune disease with AI
Knowing who may progress along the disease pathway is critical for early diagnosis and intervention, improved treatment and better disease management, according to a team that has developed a new method to predict the progression of autoimmune disease among those with preclinical symptoms. The team used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data from electronic health records and large genetic studies of people with autoimmune disease to come up with a risk prediction score. When compared to existing models, this methodology was between 25% and 1,000% more accurate in determining whose symptoms would move to advanced disease.
Advancements in neural implant research enhance durability
Neural implants contain integrated circuits (ICs) -- commonly called chips -- built on silicon. These implants need to be small and flexible to mimic circumstances inside the human body. However, the environment within the body is corrosive, which raises concerns about the durability of implantable silicon ICs. A team of researchers address this challenge by studying the degradation mechanisms of silicon ICs in the body and by coating them with soft PDMS elastomers to form body-fluid barriers that offer long-term protection to implantable chips. These findings not only enhance the longevity of implantable ICs but also significantly broaden their applications in the biomedical field.
Scientists advance nanobody technology to combat deadly Ebola virus
Ebola virus, one of the deadliest pathogens, has a fatality rate of about 50%, posing a serious threat to global health and safety. To address this challenge, researchers have developed the first nanobody-based inhibitors targeting the Ebola virus.
Study shows head trauma may activate latent viruses, leading to neurodegeneration
Researchers have uncovered mechanisms that may link head injuries and concussions to the emergence of neurodegenerative disease, pointing to latent viruses lurking in most of our brains that may be activated by the jolt, leading to inflammation and accumulating damage over time. The results suggest the use of antiviral drugs as potential early preventive treatments post-head injury.
Your work habits may be threatening your sleep
Overcoming resistance: Researchers find new utility for old antibiotics
Researchers at discovered a critical vulnerability in drug-resistant bacteria: zinc -- or a lack thereof.
Study finds chemotherapy antidote could improve recovery after chemotherapy-induced kidney toxicity
An FDA-approved medication called glucarpidase could serve as an antidote to kidney toxicity in patients receiving the chemotherapy drug methotrexate (MTX), according to a new study. Using data from 28 major U.S. cancer centers, the researchers examined the association between glucarpidase treatment -- which rapidly clears MTX from the blood -- and outcomes of patients with MTX-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). They found that patients who received glucarpidase had significantly higher chances of kidney recovery compared to those who did not get this treatment.
Ultrasound enhances early pregnancy care, cuts emergency visits by 81%
A research team found that implementing point-of-care ultrasounds (POCUS) to assess the viability and gestational age of pregnancies in the first trimester enhanced care for pregnant patients and cut emergency visits by 81% for non-miscarrying patients.
These 11 genes may help us better understand forever chemicals' effects on the brain
A new study has identified 11 genes that may hold the key to understanding the brain's response to these pervasive chemicals commonly found in everyday items.
Microplastics widespread in seafood people eat
The tiny particles that shed from clothing, packaging and other plastic products are winding up in the fish that people eat, highlighting a need for technologies and strategies to reduce microfiber pollution entering the environment.
Efforts to reduce kids' screen time weakened by unequal access to green space
When children have a place to play outside, programs aimed at reducing their screen time use are more successful.
'Sandwich carers' experience decline in mental and physical health
People who care for both their children and older family members -- also known as 'sandwich carers' -- suffer from deterioration in both their mental and physical health over time, finds a new study.
Mixed signals: How the brain interprets social cues
Researchers have found that smell and sound signals merge in the mouse brain's hearing center, influencing social behaviors like pup retrieval. The discovery may lead to a better understanding of how neurological conditions such as autism affect a person's ability to interpret social cues.
Floods linked to rise in US deaths from several major causes
Over the last 20 years, large floods were associated with up to 24.9 percent higher death rates from major mortality causes in the U.S. compared to normal conditions. A new study demonstrates the sweeping and hidden effects of floods --including floods unrelated to hurricanes, such as those due to heavy rain, snowmelt, or ice jams.
Virtual chemistry speeds up drug discovery
Among the hundreds of thousands of chemical compounds produced by plants, some may hold the key to treating human ailments and diseases. But recreating these complex, naturally occurring molecules in the lab often requires a time-consuming and tedious trial-and-error process. Now, chemists have shown how new computational tools can help them create complex natural compounds in a faster and more streamlined way.
Researchers boost chemotherapy uptake in breast cancer treatment with localized magnetic fields
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy while reducing its harmful side effects. By applying brief, localized pulses of magnetic fields, the team demonstrated a significant increase in the uptake of doxorubicin (DOX), a widely used chemotherapy drug, into breast cancer cells, with minimal impact on healthy tissues.
Neurodegenerative diseases: Membrane anchor suppresses protein aggregation
Protein aggregation is typical of various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and prion diseases such as Creutzfeld-Jakob disease. A research team has now used new in vitro and cell culture models to show that a lipid anchor on the outer membrane of nerve cells inhibits the aggregation of the prion protein.
Tuberculosis strains resistant to new drugs are transmitted between patients
Tuberculosis (TB) is the world's biggest infectious disease killer with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) posing a particular threat to global health. A study shows that resistance to the new MDR-TB treatment regimen recently recommended by the World Health Organization is already spreading between patients.
Extended Paxlovid may help some people with long COVID, research suggests
An extended course of Paxlovid appears to help some patients with long Covid, according to research that suggests this treatment option holds promise for some of those struggling with debilitating symptoms.
Acoustic sensors find frequent gunfire on school walking routes
A new study used acoustic sensors that detect the sound of gunfire to show how often children in one Chicago neighborhood are exposed to gunshots while walking to and from school. Results showed that nearly two-thirds of schools in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago had at least one gun incident within 400 meters (about one-quarter mile) of where children were walking home during the 2021-22 school year.
Risk of domestic abuse increases over time for those exposed to childhood maltreatment
The risk of experiencing intimate partner violence may accumulate over time among people who experienced childhood maltreatment when they were younger, finds a new study.
Lighting up cancer cells with biolasers
Researchers have developed a way of detecting circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream of pancreatic cancer and lung cancer patients.
Non-opioid pain relievers beat opioids after dental surgery
Researchers find an over-the-counter combo is more effective for wisdom tooth extraction pain.
Healthier mothers, healthier babies: Iron infusion trial could transform pregnancy care worldwide
A major trial has found a single iron infusion in the third trimester can significantly reduce anaemia in pregnant women and outperform the efficacy of iron tablets -- the current recommended standard of care.
New biomarkers could improve early detection and monitoring of kidney injury
Researchers have identified six new biomarkers that could detect kidney injury faster and with more sensitivity, advancing safer drug development and improving health outcomes for patients. The new biomarkers may offer a more sensitive approach than existing standards for monitoring kidney health and can lead to more tolerable treatment options.
New mechanism discovered that triggers immune response in cells with damaged DNA
A research team has revealed a previously unknown mechanism that triggers an inflammatory immune response in cells when their DNA is damaged. This discovery deepens the understanding of a new type of cell signaling that may lead to more effective treatments for cancer.
Age matters: Kidney disorder indicator gains precision
A team has devised a more accurate way of measuring an indicator of kidney function known as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by taking aging into account.
Multilingualism improves crucial cognitive functions in autistic children, study finds
A new study adds to the growing body of evidence on the cognitive benefits of speaking multiple languages, finding that multilingualism not only enhances general cognitive abilities but also may help reduce certain symptoms and bolster control of daily thoughts and actions in children with and without autism.
Scientists unveil surprising human vs mouse differences in a major cancer immunotherapy target
Much of our knowledge of the protein PD-1, a leading cancer treatment target, comes from studies in mice. In a comprehensive assessment of PD-1, researchers have found that PD-1 in mice is significantly weaker than the human version, providing new information on how cancer treatments are developed.
One of the world's largest social programs greatly reduced tuberculosis among the most vulnerable
Brazil's Bolsa Fam lia Program, one of the world's largest conditional cash transfer programs, was responsible for the reduction of more than half the number of tuberculosis cases and deaths among those living in extreme poverty and indigenous groups.
Surprising 'two-faced' cancer gene role supports paradigm shift in predicting disease
A genetic fault long believed to drive the development of esophageal cancer may in fact play a protective role early in the disease. This unexpected discovery could help doctors identify which individuals are at greater risk of developing cancer, potentially leading to more personalized and effective preventive strategies.
Approaches against metastatic breast cancer: mini-tumors from circulating cancer cells
Tumor cells circulating in the blood are the 'germ cells' of breast cancer metastases. They are very rare and could not be propagated in the culture dish until now, which made research into therapy resistance difficult. A team has now succeeded for the first time in cultivating stable tumor organoids directly from blood samples of breast cancer patients. Using these mini-tumors, the researchers were able to decipher a molecular signaling pathway that ensures the cancer cells' survival and resistance to therapy. With this knowledge, the team was able to develop an approach to specifically eliminate these tumor cells in lab experiments.