ScienceDaily: Health - July 04, 2024
Top health research news
Poor health, stress in 20s takes toll in 40s with lower cognition
Young adults who have higher levels of inflammation, which is associated with obesity, physical inactivity, chronic illness, stress and smoking, may experience reduced cognitive function in midlife, a new study has found.
It's no secret that kids aren't crazy about having too many seeds, pulp or chunks in their food. But six-year-olds in particular definitely can't stand lumps, according to a new study. The research sheds new light on children's food preferences across age groups and can serve parents, the health care sector and the food industry.
Image: Spalnic/Shutterstock.com
Chemists synthesize an improved building block for medicines
Research could help drug developers improve the safety profiles of medications and reduce side effects.
Pasteurization inactivates highly infectious avian flu in milk, study suggests
Researchers found no infectious virus in the sampled pasteurized milk products tested for H5N1.
A large international and interdisciplinary research team has developed software to measure the objective kinematic features of movements that express emotions.
Experimental drug supercharges medicine that reverses opioid overdose
Researchers have identified a compound that, in mice, makes naloxone much more effective at counteracting a drug overdose.
Mobile phone data helps track pathogen spread and evolution of superbugs
Combining genomic data and human travel patterns over a 14-year period in South Africa reveals key insights into the spread, evolution and resistance patterns of a major bacterium behind pneumonia and meningitis globally.
Clever clothes! Seams in clothing capture body movement
Everyday clothing may soon be able to capture and record body movements according to new research.
High ceilings linked to poorer exam results for university students
Ever wondered why you performed worse than expected in that final university exam that you sat in a cavernous gymnasium or massive hall, despite countless hours, days and weeks of study? Now you have a genuine reason -- high ceilings.
Low-dose aspirin could help prevent pregnancy complications caused by flu infections
A world-first study has found low-dose aspirin may treat flu-induced blood vessel inflammation, creating better blood flow to the placenta during pregnancy.
Drugs that kill 'zombie' cells may benefit some older women, but not all
Drugs that selectively kill senescent cells may benefit otherwise healthy older women but are not a 'one-size-fits-all' remedy, Mayo Clinic researchers have found. Specifically, these drugs may only benefit people with a high number of senescent cells, according to findings publishing July 2 in Nature Medicine.
Using visible light to make pharmaceutical building blocks
Chemists have discovered a way to use visible light to synthesize a class of compounds particularly well suited for use in pharmaceuticals. The class of compounds, called azetidines, had been previously identified as a good candidate to build therapeutic drugs, but the compounds are difficult to produce in chemical reactions. Now, a team has developed a method to produce a specific class of azetidines called monocyclic azetidines using visible light and a photocatalyst.
UV radiation damage leads to ribosome roadblocks, causing early skin cell death
In a recent study, researchers suggest the cell's messenger RNA (mRNA) -- the major translator and regulator of genetic material -- along with a critical protein called ZAK, spur the cell's initial response to UV radiation damage and play a critical role in whether the cell lives or dies.
Advancing toward a preventative HIV vaccine
A major challenge in developing a vaccine for HIV is that the virus mutates fast -- very fast. Although a person initially becomes infected with one or a few HIV strains, the virus replicates and mutates quickly, resulting in a 'swarm' of viral strains existing in a single body.
Genetic study points to oxytocin as possible treatment for obesity and postnatal depression
Scientists have identified a gene which, when missing or impaired, can cause obesity, behavioural problems and, in mothers, postnatal depression. The discovery, reported today in Cell, may have wider implications for the treatment of postnatal depression, with a study in mice suggesting that oxytocin may alleviate symptoms.
Systematic biases at play in clinical trials
Randomized controlled trials, or RCTs, are believed to be the best way to study the safety and efficacy of new treatments in clinical research. However, a recent study found that people of color and white women are significantly underrepresented in RCTs due to systematic biases.
Potential new target for early treatment of Alzheimer's disease
A class of proteins that regulates cell repair and enhances cell growth-signaling systems could be a promising new target for the treatment of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, according to a new study. They found that disrupting necessary sugar modifications of these proteins promotes cell repair and reverses cellular abnormalities that occur in neurodegenerative diseases.
Serendipity reveals new method to fight cancer with T cells
A promising therapy that treats blood cancers by harnessing the power of the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells could now treat solid tumors more efficiently.
Study explores what motivates people to watch footage of disasters and extreme weather
The release in July 2024 of the blockbuster film Twisters (centred around a social-media celebrity storm-chaser) demonstrates an ongoing public fascination in hazards and extreme weather. The arrival of camera and streaming technologies have made it easier to collect and share such footage in recent years, resulting in often dramatic footage being live-streamed on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Discord. Now, a new study has analyzed what might be motivating people to watch these streams -- in some instances for up to 12 hours at a time.
A new study shows how the global economy could claw back billions of dollars lost each year due to workplace injuries and illness.
Safer, swifter, smaller scar: New brain surgery approach targets difficult tumors at skull base
A medical team has developed a minimally invasive neurosurgical technique using an endoscope for the removal of tumors in the base of the skull. The results compare favorably with the conventional microscopic approach, with the added benefit of shorter operative times, less blood loss, and smaller craniotomies.
Watching others' biased behavior unconsciously creates prejudice
We unconsciously form prejudice toward groups when we see biased people interact with members of a group. That is according to new research by psychologists, who show for the first time that observational learning is an important mechanism of prejudice formation.
Understanding the synchronization of physiological states during a live music performance
In a concert, members of the audience can respond emotionally to music, owing to their biological synchronization to the audio input. However, the mechanism underlying this biological response is unclear. Now, a pioneering study has found that music-induced heart-rate synchronization is highly correlated within an individual, compared to between two randomly selected individuals. It has been determined that individual differences in cognition reduce the consistency in physiological responses and affect synchronization.
A new target for treatment of one type of macular degeneration
A new study in mice hints at the promise of an eventual alternative treatment option for the 'wet' version of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Researchers determined in mice that an enzyme related to cell growth and division is a culprit in the blood vessel invasion in the back of the eye that causes blurred central vision in wet AMD. Targeting the enzyme, called telomerase, with an experimental drug suppressed abnormal vascular growth in the animals' retina.
Too much treadmill? This could help your shin splints
Good news for all the treadmill runners who suffer from stubborn shin splints: A little outdoor gait training may help, new research suggests.
Study finds health care providers would recommend human papillomavirus self-collection
In 2019, more than 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed and upwards of 4,000 patients died in the U.S. The causal link between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the development of cervical cancer is well documented. Cervical cancer screening guidelines are currently in the review process for updates.
A team has developed the most comprehensive epidemiological dataset for youth diabetes and prediabetes research, derived from extensive National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data collected from 1999 to 2018. The dataset, revealed through the newly launched Prediabetes/diabetes in youth ONline Dashboard (POND), aims to ignite a new wave of research into the escalating issue of diabetes among young people.
Implantable microphone could lead to fully internal cochlear implants
Researchers developed a prototype of an implantable microphone for a cochlear implant. Their device, which senses the movement of the ear drum in the inner ear, performed as well as commercial hearing aids and could someday enable a fully internalized cochlear implant.
Groundbreaking approach to sleep study expands potential of sleep medicine
Bye bye sleep lab: An engineer is redesigning sleep studies, so they can be done at home without all the cumbersome wires dangling all over your body. Instead, only two wires needed.
Doctors could soon use facial temperature for early diagnosis of metabolic diseases
A colder nose and warmer cheeks may be a telltale sign of rising blood pressure. Researchers discovered that temperatures in different face regions are associated with various chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. These temperature differences are not easily perceptible by one's own touch but can instead be identified using specific AI-derived spatial temperature patterns that require a thermal camera and a data-trained model. With further research, doctors could one day use this simple and non-invasive approach for early detection of diseases.
Engineered plasma cells show long-lasting antileukemic activity in mice
Researchers show for the first time that engineered human plasma B cells can be used to treat a disease -- specifically leukemia -- in a humanized animal model. The results mark a key step in the realization of ePCs as therapies to treat cancer, auto-immune disorders, and protein deficiency disorders.
Proteins and fats can drive insulin production for some, paving way for tailored nutrition
When it comes to managing blood sugar levels, most people think about counting carbs. But new research shows that, for some, it may be just as important to consider the proteins and fats in their diet. The study is the first large-scale comparison of how different people produce insulin in response to each of the three macronutrients: carbohydrates (glucose), proteins (amino acids) and fats (fatty acids). The findings reveal that production of the blood sugar-regulating hormone is much more dynamic and individualized than previously thought, while showing for the first time a subset of the population who are hyper-responsive to fatty foods.
How our brains develop facial recognition skills: New face-detecting brain circuit
Scientists have uncovered a brain circuit in primates that rapidly detects faces. The findings help not only explain how primates sense and recognize faces, but could also have implications for understanding conditions such as autism, where face detection and recognition are often impaired from early childhood.
Light targets cells for death and triggers immune response with laser precision
A new method of precisely targeting troublesome cells for death using light could unlock new understanding of and treatments for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Weight change across common antidepressant medications
A new study compared weight change across eight common first-line antidepressants for patients taking an antidepressant for the first time. The study found differences in weight change between the different antidepressants after medication initiation, with bupropion consistently showing the least weight gain. The study adds rigorous evidence on expected weight gain across common antidepressant treatments.
Tax on antibiotics could help tackle threat of drug-resistance
Taxing certain antibiotics could help efforts to tackle the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance in humans, according to a new study.
Mechanism of lupus pathogenesis unveiled
A team identifies target protein regulating autoimmune disease lupus.
A prosthesis driven by the nervous system helps people with amputation walk naturally
With a new surgical intervention and neuroprosthetic interface, researchers restored a natural walking gait in people with amputations below the knee. Seven patients were able to walk faster, avoid obstacles, and climb stairs more naturally than people with a traditional amputation.
New and improved camera inspired by the human eye
Computer scientists have invented a camera mechanism that improves how robots see and react to the world around them. Inspired by how the human eye works, their innovative camera system mimics the tiny involuntary movements used by the eye to maintain clear and stable vision over time.
Overlooked brain organ plays key role in promoting brain repair after stroke
Scientists found the choroid plexus and cerebrospinal fluid play a key role in maintaining a pool of newly born neurons to repair the adult brain after injury.
Finding the sweet spot in brain development
Short-lived neural connections in the mouse brain help prime sensory circuits, forever affecting the mouse's sense of touch. Neuroscientists have discovered that a receptor protein named mGluR1 helps regulate the timing of these temporary connections. Their findings may help reveal the origins of various neurodevelopmental disorders and new ways of treating them.
Portable engine powers artificial muscles in assistive devices
Researchers have developed a lightweight fluidic engine to power muscle-mimicking soft robots for use in assistive devices. What sets the new engine apart is its ability to generate significant force without being tethered to an external power source.
Degradation of cell wall key in the spread of antibiotic resistance
A study provides new clues in the understanding of how antibiotic resistance spreads. The study shows how an enzyme breaks down the bacteria's protective outer layer, the cell wall, and thus facilitates the transfer of genes for resistance to antibiotics.
Researchers thwart resistant bacteria's strategy
Bacteria are experts at evolving resistance to antibiotics. One resistance strategy is to cover their cell walls in sticky and gooey biofilm that antibiotics cannot penetrate. A new discovery could put a stop to this strategy.
Multiple myeloma: Early detection of aggressive tumors
Multiple myeloma is one of the most common forms of cancer of the immune cells in the bone marrow. It is considered incurable. Even when patients respond to treatment at first, the cancer comes back. To be able to intervene faster and on a more targeted basis, researchers completed a comprehensive study of this disease at the molecular level.
Physical exercise prevents nerve damage during chemotherapy
Cancer treatments often cause nerve damage that can lead to long-lasting symptoms. Medication has proven ineffective in these cases. A sports scientist together with an interdisciplinary team from Germany, has now shown that simple exercises can prevent nerve damage.
Scientists turn white fat cells into calorie-burning beige fat
Researchers have figured out how to turn ordinary white fat cells, which store calories, into beige fat cells that burn calories to maintain body temperature.
New findings may fix the replicability crisis in microbiome research
Researchers have discovered another factor that affects the composition of the gut microbiome: time of day.
Nanorobot with hidden weapon kills cancer cells
Researchers have developed nanorobots that kill cancer cells in mice. The robot's weapon is hidden in a nanostructure and is exposed only in the tumour microenvironment, sparing healthy cells.
Largest ever genetic study of age of puberty in girls shows links with weight gain
Genes can indirectly influence the age at which girls have their first period by accelerating weight gain in childhood, a known risk factor for early puberty. Other genes can directly affect age of puberty, some with profound effects.
AI model finds the cancer clues at lightning speed
AI model finds the cancer clues at lightning speed. Researchers have developed an AI model that increases the potential for detecting cancer through sugar analyses. The AI model is faster and better at finding abnormalities than the current semi-manual method.
Individuals can tell if their memories are trustworthy
How much trust should we put in our memories? New research shows we have a good awareness of when we are recalling events accurately -- and when our brain is filling in gaps with general knowledge.
Palliative care beneficial to manage symptoms, improve quality of life for people with CVD
Key features of palliative care include medication management, shared decision-making and goal-oriented care.
Novel blood test helps improve cancer treatments
Oncologists use biopsy and imaging techniques to diagnose and monitor tumor diseases and assess treatment success. Researchers have further developed an advanced method to analyze liquid biopsies of DNA fragments in the blood. The new method is fast and practical, without putting much of a strain on patients. This could make it possible to provide diagnostics and treatments that are more closely tailored to individual patients in the future.
To regenerate the kidney, please don't pass the salt
A loss of salt and body fluid can stimulate kidney regeneration and repair in mice, according to a new study. This innate regenerative response relies on a small population of kidney cells in a region known as the macula densa (MD), which senses salt and exerts control over filtration, hormone secretion, and other key functions of this vital organ.
New device inspired by python teeth doubles strength of rotator cuff repairs
Researchers have developed a python-tooth-inspired device as a supplement to current rotator cuff suture repair, and found that it nearly doubled repair strength. Their biomimetic approach following the design of python teeth helps to reattach tendons to bone more securely. The device not only augments the strength of the repair but can also be customized to the patient.
A team of researchers suggest that eyed needles were a new technological innovation used to adorn clothing for social and cultural purposes, marking the major shift from clothes as protection to clothes as an expression of identity.
A few surgical procedures account for high number of opioid prescriptions
A handful of common surgical procedures account for large shares of all opioids dispensed after surgery in children and adults.
Can A.I. tell you if you have osteoporosis? Newly developed deep learning model shows promise
Researchers have developed a novel deep learning algorithm that outperformed existing computer-based osteoporosis risk prediction methods, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes for patients with osteoporosis risk.
Study reveals significant differences in RNA editing between postmortem and living human brain
Researchers have reported finding major differences between postmortem and living prefrontal cortex brain tissues as they relate to one of the most abundant RNA modifications in the brain, known as adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing.