ScienceDaily: Health - July 25, 2024
Top health research news
Could wearable devices adversely affect health?
For patients with Afib, using a wearable device can lead to higher rates of anxiety about their Afib symptoms and treatment, doctor visits, and use of informal healthcare resources, according to a new study.
Stroke recovery: It's in the genes
New research has found that specific genes may be related to the trajectory of recovery for stroke survivors, providing doctors insights useful for developing targeted therapies.
Image: vchal/Shutterstock.com
Does your body composition affect your risk of dementia or Parkinson's?
People with high levels of body fat stored in their belly or arms may be more likely to develop diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's than people with low levels of fat in these areas, according to new research. The study also found that people with a high level of muscle strength were less likely to develop these diseases than people with low muscle strength.
Daily rhythms depend on receptor density in biological clock
Tweaking the numbers of receptors in a key brain area changes the daily rhythms of rest and wake in mice.
Increasing Prediabetes remission for type 2 diabetes
In mice with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), increasing ketone supply to the heart allowed their hearts to utilize more ketones and produce more energy.
Prediabetes remission for type 2 diabetes prevention
Current medical guidelines recommend that people in a preliminary stage of type 2 diabetes lose at least 7 percent of their body weight in order to prevent manifest diabetes. Diabetes experts advocate glycemic remission (normalization of blood sugar regulation) as a prevention goal for people with prediabetes or a high risk of type 2 diabetes. The article's claim is supported by numerous international scientists as well as by the DZD's Prevention Academy.Current medical guidelines recommend that people in a preliminary stage of type 2 diabetes lose at least 7 percent of their body weight in order to prevent manifest diabetes. In an article in 'Nature Reviews Endocrinology,' diabetes experts Prof. Andreas Birkenfeld and Prof. Viswanathan Mohan advocate glycemic remission (normalization of blood sugar regulation) as a prevention goal for people with prediabetes or a high risk of type 2 diabetes. The article's claim is supported by numerous international scientists as well as by the DZD's Prevention Academy.
Preventing brain damage in preterm babies
An interdisciplinary team of physicians and scientists show for the first time that a blood protein called fibrin blocks an essential biological process that drives brain development in early life. They identified a root cause of developmental delays that result from brain bleeds in premature infants, opening a path for new therapeutic strategies to counter long-term health risks.
AI model identifies certain breast tumor stages likely to progress to invasive cancer
A new machine-learning model can identify the stage of disease in ductal carcinoma in situ, a type of preinvasive tumor that can sometimes progress to a deadly form of breast cancer. This could help clinicians avoid overtreating patients whose disease is unlikely to progress.
Researchers are closing in on a mouse model for late-onset Alzheimer's
Researchers are working to create the first strain of mice that's genetically susceptible to late-onset Alzheimer's, with potentially transformative implications for dementia research.
Targeted Alzheimer's research and drug discovery
Researchers offer the first comprehensive ranking of the relative role and significance of every known gene and protein in the development of Alzheimer's Disease.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly widened existing economic and health disparities between wealthy and low-income countries and slowed progress toward health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a new study.
Proof-of-concept study to find functional cure for HIV
Researchers conducted a breakthrough proof-of-concept study that found an HIV-like virus particle that could cease the need for lifelong medications.
Fighting leukemia by targeting its stem cells
Acute myeloid leukemia is one of the deadliest cancers. Leukemic stem cells responsible for the disease are highly resistant to treatment. A team has made a breakthrough by identifying some of the genetic and energetic characteristics of these stem cells, notably a specific iron utilization process. This process could be blocked, leading to the death or weakening of these stem cells without affecting healthy cells. These results pave the way for new therapeutic strategies.
'Gene misbehavior' widespread in healthy people
New insights into the prevalence and mechanisms of gene misexpression in a healthy population could help in diagnosing and developing treatments for complex diseases.
Neuroscientists discover brain circuitry of placebo effect for pain relief
Researchers have discovered a novel pain control pathway that links the cingulate cortex in the front of the brain, through the pons region of the brainstem, to cerebellum in the back of the brain.
Staying hip to orthopedic advances: Comparing traditional and new hip replacement stems
Surgeons compared traditional and new fully hydroxyapatite-coated hip replacement stems. They found the new stems offer larger contact areas, while traditional ones preserve bone density long-term. This insight aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce revision surgeries.
At what age do Olympic athletes peak?
There's a lot that goes into an Olympic athlete's quest for gold -- years of training and rigor -- but also, an athlete's age. A team used statistics to figure out when an Olympic track-and-field athletes' peak performance will be.
Warehousing industry increases health-harming pollutants, research shows
A new study shows an average 20-percent spike of nitrogen dioxide polluting the air for communities located near huge warehouses. And people of color are harder hit.
Large genetic study on severe COVID-19
Whether or not a person becomes seriously ill with COVID-19 depends, among other things, on genetic factors. With this in mind, researchers investigated a particularly large group of affected individuals. They confirmed the central and already known role of the TLR7 gene in severe courses of the disease in men, but were also able to find evidence for a contribution of the gene in women. In addition, they were able to show that genetic changes in three other genes of the innate immune system contribute to severe COVID-19.
BePRECISE consortium unveils guidelines to enhance reporting in precision medicine research
The inaugural reporting guidelines for precision medicine research have just been published.
Traffic-related ultrafine particles hinder mitochondrial functions in olfactory mucosa
Ultrafine particles, UFPs, the smallest contributors to air pollution, hinder the function of mitochondria in human olfactory mucosa cells, a new study shows. The study showed that traffic-related UFPs impair mitochondrial functions in primary human olfactory mucosa cells by hampering oxidative phosphorylation and redox balance.
Language affects how quickly we perceive shades of color
People who speak a language that has multiple words for different shades of colour perceive the shades more quickly.
Blood test may guide use of multiple myeloma immunotherapy
A simple blood test that measures the number of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell in the body, may predict whether people who have relapsed multiple myeloma are going to respond well to CAR-T immunotherapy, according to new research.
Research sheds light on the role of PTPRK in tissue repair and cancer
New research has advanced our knowledge of multiple roles for PTPRK, a receptor tyrosine phosphatase linked to the regulation of cell-cell adhesion, growth factor signalling and tumor suppression. Through a characterization of the function of PTPRK in human cell lines and mice, the team distinguished catalytic and non-catalytic functions of PTPRK. The findings extend what is known about the signalling mechanisms involving PTPRK as a phosphatase and its role in colorectal health but also shed new light on the extent of its function via non-catalytic signalling mechanisms.
Study across multiple brain regions discerns Alzheimer's vulnerability and resilience factors
Genomics and lab studies reveal numerous findings, including a key role for Reelin amid neuronal vulnerability, and for choline and antioxidants in sustaining cognition.
Rates of subsequent myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) following an acute illness were roughly the same between people whose acute illness was due to COVID-19 and those who did not have COVID-19, a new study finds.
Building a molecular brain map to understand Alzheimer's disease
Resulting atlas of the aging human brain holds molecular insights into the brain's vulnerability and resilience.
Under pressure: How cells respond to physical stress
Cell membranes play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of cells. However, the mechanisms by which they perform these roles are not yet fully understood. Scientists have used cryo-electron microscopy to observe how lipids and proteins at the plasma membrane interact and react to mechanical stress. This work shows that, depending on conditions, small membrane regions can stabilize various lipids to trigger specific cellular responses. These discoveries confirm the existence of well-organized lipid domains and begin to reveal the role they play in cell survival.
Physical activity improves early with customized text messages in patients with heart problems
Personalized text messages effectively promoted increased physical activity for patients after significant heart events -- such as a heart attack or surgery -- but those effects later diminished. Researcher say the results show incredible promise for simple, low cost interventions delivered through mobile technology and their potential to help prevent secondary cardiovascular events in patients.
New study confirms mammal-to-mammal avian flu spread
A new study provides evidence that a spillover of avian influenza from birds to dairy cattle across several U.S. states has now led to mammal-to-mammal transmission -- between cows and from cows to cats and a raccoon.
Long-acting injectable cabotegravir for HIV prevention is safe in pregnancy, study finds
Long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) was safe and well tolerated as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) before and during pregnancy in the follow-up phase of a global study among cisgender women.
Researchers leveraging AI to train (robotic) dogs to respond to their masters
An international collaboration seeks to innovate the future of how a mechanical man's best friend interacts with its owner, using a combination of AI and edge computing called edge intelligence. The overarching project goal is to make the dog come 'alive' by adapting wearable-based sensing devices that can detect physiological and emotional stimuli inherent to one's personality and traits, such as introversions, or transient states, including pain and comfort levels.
The unintended consequences of success against malaria
The insecticide-treated bed nets and insecticide sprays that were so effective in preventing mosquito bites -- and therefore malaria -- are increasingly viewed as the causes of household pest resurgence after pests became resistant to pesticides, according to a new article.
Brain's support cells contribute to Alzheimer's disease by producing toxic peptide
Oligodendrocytes are an important source of amyloid beta and play a key role in promoting neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study.
Tumor suppressor protein Par-4 triggers unique cell death pathway in cancerous cells
A team of researchers has discovered that the tumor suppressor protein Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) can cause a unique type of cell death called ferroptosis in human glioblastoma -- the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor -- while sparing healthy cells. This new understanding has the potential to inform the development of novel treatments for various hard-to-treat cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.
Study uses Game of Thrones to advance understanding of face blindness
Psychologists have used the hit TV series Game of Thrones to understand how the brain enables us to recognize faces. Their findings provide new insights into prosopagnosia or face blindness, a condition that impairs facial recognition.
Does the onset of daylight saving time lead to an unhealthy lifestyle?
Consumers' attitudes and health behaviors respond negatively to the switch to daylight saving time.
Could smart guide RNAs usher in an era of personalized medicine?
Scientists utilize logic gate-based decision-making to construct circuits that control genes.
Mass layoffs and data breaches could be connected
A research team has been exploring how mass layoffs and data breaches could be connected. Their theory: since layoffs create conditions where disgruntled employees face added stress or job insecurity, they are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that heighten the company's vulnerability to data breaches.
New video test for Parkinson's uses AI to track how the disease is progressing
An automated assessment technique that uses artificial intelligence could revolutionize the management of Parkinson's disease.
Wearable sensors help athletes achieve greater performance
Researchers have developed a low-cost, flexible, and customizable sensor for badminton players that overcomes current monitoring constraints. The team used triboelectric sensors to construct their intelligent monitoring system because they are easy to adapt for flexible, wearable devices and to minimize interference during bending and twisting, they built a 3D-printed flexible arch-shaped sensor encased in a thermoplastic elastomer. This design is comfortable during use and can be easily customized to individual athletes.
Electric scooter and bike accidents are soaring across the United States
Researchers have published new research that reports on a potential alternative and less-invasive approach to measure intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients.
Prostate cancer blood test equally effective across ethnic groups, study finds
The Stockholm3 blood test is equally effective at detecting prostate cancer in different ethnic groups, a new paper reports. The test produces significantly better results than the current PSA standard.
Study evaluates treatment interventions for severe obesity in adolescents
Adolescents with severe obesity who received meal-replacement therapy plus financial incentives experienced a greater reduction in body mass index compared to those who received meal replacement therapy alone, according to recent findings.
How does the brain respond to sleep apnea?
Nearly 40 million adults in the U.S. have sleep apnea, and more than 30 million of them use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine while sleeping. However, the machines tend to be expensive, clunky and uncomfortable -- resulting in many users giving up on using them. High blood pressure is often linked with sleep apnea because the brain works harder to regulate blood flow and breathing during sleep. A recent study offers new insight into the underlying mechanisms within the brain contributing to hypertension for those with sleep apnea.
Dual action antibiotic could make bacterial resistance nearly impossible
New drug that disrupts two cellular targets would make it much harder for bacteria to evolve resistance.
Brain care score for dementia and stroke also predicts late-life depression
Researchers have shown that a higher Brain Care Score is also associated with a lower risk of late-life depression. The findings provide further evidence of shared biological risk factors for stroke, dementia and depression and highlight the potential of the BCS to help patients make lifestyle changes to better care for their brain health.
Pioneering the cellular frontier
Scientists use a multimodal approach that combines hard X-ray computed tomography and X-ray fluorescence imaging to see the structure and chemical processes inside of a single cell.
Protein discovery linked to Parkinson's disease opens future research areas
Researchers have discovered two proteins that act as regulators for mitophagy. The discovery opens a new avenue for researchers to boost mitophagy activity, to promote mitochondrial and neuronal health.
New rapid method for determining virus infectivity
A new method that can rapidly determine whether a virus is infectious or non-infectious could revolutionize the response to future pandemics, researchers report.
Risks and benefits of integrating AI into medical decision-making
Researchers found that an artificial intelligence (AI) model solved medical quiz questions -- designed to test health professionals' ability to diagnose patients based on clinical images and a brief text summary -- with high accuracy. However, physician-graders found the AI model made mistakes when describing images and explaining how its decision-making led to the correct answer.
Expiring medications could pose challenge on long space missions
A new study shows that over half of the medicines stocked in space -- staples such as pain relievers, antibiotics, allergy medicines, and sleep aids -- would expire before astronauts could return to Earth.
Preclinical model offers new insights into Parkinson's disease process
A new preclinical model offers a unique platform for studying the Parkinson's disease process and suggests a relatively easy method for detecting the disease in people.
Brain-heart axis: Strokes change epigenetics of immune system
A stroke not only causes acute damage to the brain, but can also have long-term health implications for other organs -- such as the heart. Researchers have worked on the hypothesis that the high rate of comorbidities that develop after a stroke could have a common immunological cause. And they actually managed to find it: The origin of the dysfunctions in other parts of the body lies in the immunological memory of the blood-forming cells in bone marrow.
New study identifies two proteins that may contribute to stroke recurrence
A new study has identified new genetic and molecular risk factors that may reveal new pathways for treating patients after they experience their first stroke. The study identified CCL27 and TNFRSF14, two proteins that are associated with subsequent MACE, but not initial strokes. These proteins are known to activate inflammation, which plays a key role in the development of strokes and many chronic conditions and diseases. The findings suggest that inflammation is a contributing factor to MACE outcomes among people after they have their first stroke.
Breakthrough in skeletal muscle regeneration
In a finding that opens the door to the development of targeted therapies for various muscle disorders, newly published research identifies key mechanisms of skeletal muscle regeneration and growth of muscles following resistance exercise.
B cell biohack: Immune cells to churn out custom antibodies
Scientists have discovered a way to turn the body's B cells into tiny surveillance machines and antibody factories that can pump out specially designed antibodies to destroy cancer cells or HIV, two of medicine's most formidable foes.
Boosting fruit intake during midlife can ward off late-life blues
In a large Singapore cohort study involving over 13,000 participants spanning close to 20 years, higher consumption of fruits during midlife was found to be associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms at late-life.
Drug repurposing shows promise in the treatment of retinal degenerations, according to a new study. A combination treatment incorporating three existing drugs -- tamsulosin, metoprolol and bromocriptine -- slowed disease progression in pre-clinical retinopathy models.