ScienceDaily: Health - January 16, 2025
Top health research news
An international study has identified three psychological profiles associated with different patterns of cognitive and brain decline in aging. The study, which analyzed more than 1,000 middle-aged and older adults, shows that the specific psychological characteristics of each profile may influence the risk of developing dementia, as well as aspects such as the speed of brain decline and sleep quality. These findings open new perspectives for the design of more personalized prevention strategies.
Fatal neurodegenerative disease in kids also affects the bowel
Researchers have described the neurodegeneration that occurs in the nervous system of the bowel in Batten disease, a rare and fatal genetic condition. In their latest study, a team showed that gene therapy to the bowel in mice modeling Batten disease reduced symptoms and extended lifespan.
Ultrasound-directed microbubbles could boost immune response against tumors
Researchers have designed process that uses ultrasound to modify the behavior of cancer-fighting T cells by increasing their cell permeability. They targeted freshly isolated human immune cells with tightly focused ultrasound beams and clinically approved contrast agent microbubbles. When hit with the ultrasound, the bubbles vibrate at extremely high frequency, acting as a push-pull on the walls of the T cell's membranes. This can mimic the T cell's natural response to the presence of an antigen. The T cell then begins to secrete vital signalling molecules that would otherwise be restricted by the tumor's hostile microenvironment. The process does not damage the cell itself.
Scientists develop tiny anticancer weapon
A new twist on a decades-old anticancer strategy has shown powerful effects against multiple cancer types in a preclinical study. The experimental approach, which uses tiny capsules called small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), could offer an innovative new type of immunotherapy treatment and is poised to move toward more advanced development and testing.
Large and rare duplications and deletions in a chromosome region known as 22q11.2 , which involves genes that regulate cardiac development, are linked to nonsyndromic bicuspid aortic valve disease.
Is eating more red meat bad for your brain?
People who eat more red meat, especially processed red meat like bacon, sausage and bologna, are more likely to have a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia when compared to those who eat very little red meat, according to a new study.
Past studies have identified a loneliness-rumination-depression nexus. Rumination is defined as repetitive and intrusive negative thoughts and feelings, and loneliness as a gap between desired and actual social connections. Given a widely reported high co-occurrence between loneliness and depression, a research team sought to understand the underlying mechanisms.
IVF pregnancies at greater risk of exposure to medicines that can harm the fetus
A new study has revealed a potential reason why some pregnancies achieved through assisted reproductive technology (ART) may result in birth defects in comparison to naturally conceived pregnancies.
Reading signs: New method improves AI translation of sign language
A research team improved the AI recognition accuracy of word-level sign language recognition by adding data such as the signer's hand and facial expressions, as well as skeletal information on the position of the hands relative to the body.
RNA research: Ribozyme structure revealed
Researchers have now uncovered the 3D structure of the RNA enzyme SAMURI. Their study provides insights into the development of ribozymes and the evolution of catalytically active RNA.
Monitoring tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA after CGP
A research team proposes a method to assess cancer patients for their likelihood to either respond to treatment or relapse.
Patients with a common aggressive type of bladder cancer could get correct treatment significantly quicker as new research suggests that initial MRI imaging and biopsy could be used to reduce the time patients wait.
Memory systems in the brain drive food cravings that could influence body weight
A research team identified the brain's food-specific memory system and its direct role in overeating and diet-induced obesity. They found a specific population of neurons in the mouse brain that encode memories for sugar and fat, profoundly impacting food intake and body weight.
From caring touch to cooperative communities
An international research team concludes that gentle touch is not only good for mental health, but also for the evolution of cooperation.
A molecule is shown to produce cognitive improvement in rodents with early Alzheimer's disease
Scientists have come up with a drug that is a potential candidate for tackling memory deficits in the early stages of the disease in rodents. Research shows that the drug activates the cannabinoid neurotransmitter system (which protects the brain), and this stimulates the cholinergic system (which controls memory and learning) by increasing the synthesis of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter in the brain that controls memory and learning). These results open up a promising therapeutic approach.
New insights into the biology and risk factors of childhood obesity
A cutting-edge molecular approach provides a detailed picture of the biological pathways associated with childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction, and identifies environmental risk factors during early life.
'Perfect storm' of mutations drives infection-triggered autoimmune disease
Researchers have uncovered how chronic hepatitis C infection leads to autoimmune disease, which opens new paths for treatments
Bird flu is mutating, but antivirals still work
Researchers have identified nine mutations in a bird flu strain from a person in Texas. Bad news: this strain is more capable of causing disease and replicates better in the brain. Good news: approved antivirals are still effective.
Small-scale fisheries essential to global nutrition, livelihoods
Small-scale fisheries play a significant but overlooked role in global fisheries production and are key to addressing hunger and malnutrition while supporting livelihoods around the world, according to new research. The study rigorously quantified how marine and inland small-scale fisheries contribute to aquatic harvests and nutritional and socioeconomic security on a global scale.
How cryogenic microscopy could help strengthen food security
A research team reports on a novel observation of a plant protection mechanism in response to salt stress. The study opens new avenues of research to strengthen food security.
DNA damage can last unrepaired for years, changing our view of mutations
While most known types of DNA damage are fixed by our cells' in-house DNA repair mechanisms, some forms of DNA damage evade repair and can persist for many years, new research shows. This means that the damage has multiple chances to generate harmful mutations, which can lead to cancer.
How one brain circuit encodes memories of both places and events
A computational model explains how place cells in the hippocampus can be recruited to form any kind of episodic memory, even when there's no spatial component.
Deep learning designs proteins against deadly snake venom
New proteins not found in nature have now been designed to counteract certain highly poisonous components of snake venom. The deep learning, computational methods for developing these toxin-neutralizing proteins offer hope for creating safer, more cost-effective and more readily available therapeutics than those currently in use. Each year more than 2 million people suffer snakebites. More than 100,000 die, and 300,000 suffer disabling complications.
Scientists identify new epigenetic approach to target colorectal cancer
A little-known mouse protein disrupts cancer-causing chemical changes to genes associated with human colorectal cancer cells and potentially could be used to treat solid tumors, according to a new study.
Putting a lid on excess cholesterol to halt bladder cancer cell growth
Researchers discover novel targets for bladder cancer therapeutics and demonstrate that a new combination of existing drugs, including statins, blocks tumor growth in mice.
Researchers invent soft, bioelectronic sensor implant
Scientists describe their construction of complementary, internal, ion-gated, organic electrochemical transistors that are more amenable chemically, biologically and electronically to living tissues than rigid, silicon-based technologies. The medical device based on these transistors can function in sensitive parts of the body and conform to organ structures even as they grow. The result is a biocompatible sensor that can monitor brain functions in pediatric patients as they develop and grow.
Yes, college students gain holiday weight too -- but in the form of muscle not fat
A new study from an obesity researcher reveals that college students and older adults gain holiday weight just in different ways.
Gene editing extends lifespan in mouse model of prion disease
Researchers have developed a gene-editing treatment for prion disease that extends lifespan by about 50 percent in a mouse model of the fatal neurodegenerative condition. The treatment, which uses base editing to make a single-letter change in DNA, reduced levels of the disease-causing prion protein in the brain by as much as 60 percent. The work demonstrates that lowering levels of the prion protein improves lifespan in animals that have been infected with a human version of the protein.
Painful skin when tapering cortisone cream
Painful skin and trouble sleeping are among the problems reported when tapering cortisone cream for atopic eczema, according to a new study. Many users consider the problems to be caused by cortisone dependence.
Saliva activates coagulation in persons with hemophilia A
A recent study provides new insights into the mechanisms of coagulation in persons with haemophilia A, the most common form of haemophilia. The research team was able to show that saliva contains special vesicles that trigger rapid coagulation of the blood of haemophilic patients.
Hearing impairment may be a sign of increased risk of Parkinson's disease
There may be a link between hearing impairment and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's according to new research. This is one of the first studies to examine whether sensory impairments, such as hearing loss, might increase the risk for Parkinson's or serve as an early warning sign. Parkinson's UK reports that an estimated 153,000 people in the UK currently live with Parkinson's, which is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world.
Genetic tweak optimizes drug-making cells by blocking buildup of toxic byproduct
Scientists have developed a new strategy to enhance pharmaceutical production in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, which are commonly used to manufacture protein-based drugs for treating cancer, autoimmune diseases and much more. By knocking out a gene circuit responsible for producing lactic acid -- a metabolite that makes the cells' environment toxic -- researchers eliminate a primary hurdle in developing cells that can produce higher amounts of pharmaceuticals like Herceptin and Rituximab, without compromising their growth or energy production.
SCP-Nano: A new technology to visualize nanocarriers in cells and tissues
How can we ensure that life-saving drugs or genetic therapies reach their intended target cells without causing harmful side effects? Researchers have taken an important step to answer this question. They have developed a method that, for the first time, enables the precise detection of nanocarriers -- tiny transport vehicles -- throughout the entire mouse body at a single-cell level.
Hepatitis E vaccination is effective in an epidemic
Hepatitis E, a potentially serious viral liver disease, is transmitted through contaminated water. The risk is particularly high in populations with limited access to safe water and sanitation. In South Sudan, outbreaks have regularly ravaged camps for internally displaced persons and their host populations. Although a vaccine has been available since 2011, its 3-dose regimen makes it difficult to administer in such a context.
Scientists uncover rapid-acting, low-side-effect antidepressant target
Depression continues to grapple a large proportion of the population. Given the side effects associated with the long-term use of conventional antidepressants, there is a need for novel rapid acting therapeutics with minimal side effects. Researchers have previously demonstrated antidepressant-like effects of delta opioid receptor agonists in rodents. In their latest study, they uncover the molecular and cellular mechanism underlying its action that can advance its therapeutic development.
Residents of unburned homes reported health symptoms months after Marshall Fire
Wildfires that burn homes and vehicles could expose people to dangerous airborne compounds through ash and smoke. Research has shown that people returning to their unburned homes may also experience health symptoms months after a nearby fire is extinguished. Through a survey of people affected by the 2021 Marshall Fire in Boulder, Colorado, researchers found that headaches, sore throats and coughs were frequently self-reported by residents living near burned structures.
New innovative local treatment for osteolytic bone disease in multiple myeloma
A team of researchers has developed a new biomaterial with high potential in in the treatment of bone lesions or minimal residual disease in multiple myeloma patients. The findings showcase a promising approach to bone healing and tumor control.
New computer models open door to far more targeted antibiotics
The new models could give antibiotics a laser-like precision to target only specific bacteria in specific parts of the body. This would represent a major step forward in the battle against the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
AI innovation unlocks non-surgical way to detect brain cancer spread
Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model to detect the spread of metastatic brain cancer using MRI scans, offering insights into patients' cancer without aggressive surgery.
New mechanism for maintaining genome stability discovered
New research reveals how the RapA enzyme protects against R-loop cytotoxicity in E. coli.
Genetic risks for age-related macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects about 200 million people worldwide and can result in legal blindness, impairs an area of the eye (retina) used for reading, driving and many other critical daily tasks. A new study of large existing patient datasets indicates genetic and demographic factors that increase the risk for developing AMD.
Researchers uncover what drives aggressive bone cancer
Study identifies a novel mechanism driving osteosarcoma and provides insights to help predict patient outcomes.
Just as Gouda: Improving the quality of cheese alternatives
Scientists are working to produce plant-based cheese with all the characteristics of real cheese, but with better health benefits. To create a cheesy product with the same texture as the real thing, they looked at a variety of physical attributes such as the melting, stretching, and oil-release upon grilling and heating and studied isolates from three proteins and how they interacted with the oil and with the starch matrix of the cheese alternative. Using a blend of sunflower and coconut oil decreased the saturated fat content of the cheese, creating a healthy and sustainable alternative to dairy cheeses and other plant-based cheeses.
Uncurling a single DNA molecule and gluing it down helps sharpen images
Using advanced imaging techniques and precise microfluidics control to stretch out curly DNA into a straight line, new research demonstrates techniques for stretching and immobilizing DNA with minimum thermal fluctuation to enable detailed analysis. A team at Nagoya University experimented with ways to uncurl a DNA molecule using pressure applied to liquid flowing in a channel, with the pressure flow providing shear force that uncurled the DNA molecule. They found that controlling the flow velocity of the liquid helps fine-tune the shear force applied and allows precise adjustments of the stretch ratio of the DNA.
Global study pinpoints genes for depression across ethnicities
New genetic risk factors for depression have been identified across all major global populations for the first time, allowing scientists to predict risk of depression regardless of ethnicity. The world's largest and most diverse genetic study ever into major depression has revealed nearly 300 previously unknown genetic links to the condition, experts say.
New study identifies how blood vessel dysfunction can worsen chronic disease
Researchers have uncovered how specialized cells surrounding small blood vessels, known as perivascular cells, contribute to blood vessel dysfunction in chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and fibrosis. The findings could change how these diseases are treated.
Need for standardized measurement methods in gene therapy
Mild cognitive impairment is linked to blood vessel dysfunction in the brain's temporal lobes -- the seat of memory -- according to a new study. The findings, seen in people with and without signs of amyloid buildup in the brain, suggest that microvascular trouble may be an important, early biomarker for dementia as well as a potential target for therapy.
Three drug cocktail shows potential to boost CAR-T cancer therapy
Researchers have discovered a three-drug combination that enhances the generation of CAR-T cells, a type of cancer immunotherapy, and could improve CAR-T cell production for clinical treatments. The study emphasizes the importance of T-memory stem cells (TSCM) linked to stronger and more lasting cancer responses. The findings demonstrate the advantages of pharmacological approaches over genetic approaches to enrich TSCM-like cells as most gene-targeted therapies have not proven to be very effective in this arena.
A 'volume dial' for missed signals produced by our bodies
Scientists have adapted a sensing platform to detect and even measure chemicals at low enough concentrations to have use outside the lab. The system, which is 10 times more sensitive than previous sensors built by the team, opens the door for the system to be applied to disease detection and monitoring in the human body for nucleic acids and bacteria.
Experimental blood test for pancreatic cancer undergoing clinical development and evaluation
An experimental blood test for pancreatic cancer is being evaluated by a commercial laboratory, an important milestone toward making the test available for patients.
DNA nanorobots can alter artificial cells
Scientists have succeeded in controlling the structure and function of biological membranes with the help of 'DNA origami'. The system they developed may facilitate the transportation of large therapeutic loads into cells. This opens up a new way for the targeted administration of medication and other therapeutic interventions. Thus, a very valuable instrument can be added to the toolbox of synthetic biology.
Brain connectome phenotype linked to cerebrovascular disease can track cognitive decline