ScienceDaily: Health - May 23, 2024
Top health research news
Gentler cell therapies for blood cancer
Researchers have developed an approach to 'deleting' a blood system affected by leukemia while simultaneously building up a new, healthy system with donor blood stem cells. The team reports on the promising results obtained in animal experiments and with human cells in the laboratory.
Adhesive coatings can prevent scarring around medical implants
Engineers have found a way to eliminate the buildup of scar tissue around implantable devices, by coating them with a hydrogel adhesive. The material binds the device to tissue and prevents the immune system from attacking the device.
Ancient viral DNA in the human genome linked to major psychiatric disorders
New research has found that thousands of DNA sequences originating from ancient viral infections are expressed in the brain, with some contributing to susceptibility for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
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Researchers have mapped the immune response in heart attacks and identified signatures that correlate with the clinical progression.
Milk from before antibiotic era were resistant to antibiotic tetracycline
The researchers started with 50 samples collected from 1941 to 1947, and they found that the samples contained seven different Streptococcus species, including two subspecies of S. dysgalactiae. Interestingly, the researchers found some of the samples were resistant to the antibiotic tetracycline and did not carry antibiotic resistance genes typically seen in today's antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Since these samples were collected prior to the antibiotic era, the results add to a growing body of literature showing that antibiotic resistance occurred naturally before humans discovered and began to use antibiotics.
Naturally occurring substance in pomegranates can improve treatment of Alzheimer's disease
A substance naturally occurring in i.a. pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts can improve memory and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, a new study concludes.
New tool may help prioritize high-risk infants for RSV immunization
On the heels of a shortage of nirsevimab for infant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) prevention, a new tool may help identify newborns at highest risk for developing serious RSV LRTI, according to new research.
Body lice may be bigger plague spreaders than previously thought
A new laboratory study suggests that human body lice are more efficient at transmitting Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague, than previously thought, supporting the possibility that they may have contributed to past pandemics.
Scientists create tailored drug for aggressive breast cancer
Scientists have used breast cancer cells' weakness against themselves by linking a tumor-selective antibody with a cell-killing drug to destroy hard-to-treat tumors.
Drug-like inhibitor shows promise in preventing flu
Currently available flu medications only target the virus after it has already established an infection, but what if a drug could prevent infection in the first place? Now, scientists have designed drug-like molecules to do just that, by thwarting the first stage of influenza infection.
PFAS exposure in men linked to the health of their offspring
Researchers are reporting new findings that demonstrate a link between exposure to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in males and health issues in their offspring.
Ruptured Achilles tendon shows faster repair amid plasma irradiation treatment
Researchers have been focusing on non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma as a treatment method that can shorten recovery times, such as for tendon repair. Using a helium plasma jet, they demonstrated that irradiation of ruptured Achilles tendons showed accelerated regeneration and increased strength at an earlier stage than if the injury site was not irradiated.
How immune cells recognize the abnormal metabolism of cancer cells
When cells become tumor cells, their metabolism changes fundamentally. Researchers have now demonstrated that this change leaves traces that could provide targets for cancer immunotherapies.
Exercise bouts could improve efficacy of cancer drug
Bouts of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise could improve the efficacy of antibody therapies used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, new research has shown.
Extremely rare immune cells predict how well treatments work for recurrent hives
A new study examines the common skin condition, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), characterized by recurrent hives. This study shows a link between rare cell types and treatment response.
Night-time heat significantly increases the risk of stroke
Researchers show that nocturnal heat significantly increases the risk of stroke. The findings can contribute to the development of preventive measures: With them, the population can better protect themselves against the risks of climate change with increasingly frequent hot nights. In addition, knowledge of the consequences of hot nights can improve patient care.
Study models how ketamine's molecular action leads to its effects on the brain
New research addresses a gap in understanding how ketamine's impact on individual neurons leads to pervasive and profound changes in brain network function.
Hope for a cure for visceral leishmaniasis, an often fatal infectious disease
Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease affecting a growing number of people worldwide. Each year, between 700,000 and 1 million new cases are reported. Caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania, which is transmitted to humans by the simple bite of a sand fly, leishmaniasis comprises three clinical forms, of which the visceral form is the most serious. If left untreated, visceral leishmaniasis, also known as black fever, is almost always fatal.
Lung cancer study offers further evidence on importance of screening
Researchers have demonstrated the benefits of lung cancer screening across socioeconomic groups. Evidence in the new study illustrates the value and importance of screening, especially for those who live in areas of economic deprivation.
AI can help improve ER admission decisions
Generative artificial intelligence (AI), such as GPT-4, can help predict whether an emergency room patient needs to be admitted to the hospital even with only minimal training on a limited number of records. In the retrospective study, the researchers analyzed records from seven hospitals, using both structured data, such as vital signs, and unstructured data, such as nurse triage notes, from more than 864,000 emergency room visits while excluding identifiable patient data.
Matcha mouthwash inhibits bacteria that causes periodontitis
Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, may help keep bacteria that causes periodontitis at bay.
Cortex's self-organizing abilities in neural development
Researchers have investigated how highly organized patterns of neural activity emerge during development.
Math discovery provides new method to study cell activity, aging
New mathematical tools revealing how quickly cell proteins break down are poised to uncover deeper insights into how we age, according to a recently published paper.
Researchers introduce programmable materials to help heal broken bones
Natural materials like bone, bird feathers and wood have an intelligent approach to physical stress distribution, despite their irregular architectures. However, the relationship between stress modulation and their structures has remained elusive. A new study that integrates machine learning, optimization, 3D printing and stress experiments allowed engineers to gain insight into these natural wonders by developing a material that replicates the functionalities of human bone for orthopedic femur restoration.
New therapeutic avenues in bone repair
Researchers have shown that a naturally occurring peptide (small protein) holds promise as a new therapeutic for osteoporosis and other disorders that feature bone loss, with distinct advantages over existing drugs.
Studies reveal cell-by-cell changes caused when pig hearts and kidneys are transplanted into humans
Two new studies detail the changes seen at the single-cell level in pig organs and recipient human bodies before, during, and just after the xenotransplantation surgeries in the decedents.
A new gene-editing system tackles complex diseases
Current methods to model or correct mutations in live cells are inefficient, especially when multiplexing -- installing multiple point mutations simultaneously across the genome. Researchers have developed new, efficient genome editing tools called multiplexed orthogonal base editors (MOBEs) to install multiple point mutations at once.
Clarifying the cellular mechanisms underlying periodontitis with an improved animal model
Although periodontitis is an extremely prevalent disorder, it is challenging to conduct detailed and comprehensive analyses of its progression at the cellular level. Recently, researchers developed an improved periodontitis mouse model that simplifies the collection and analysis of multiple periodontal tissue types. Using this model, they clarified the role of an important signaling pathway in the inflammatory response of periodontal tissue, paving the way for better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for periodontitis.
Drug helps reprogram macrophage immune cells, suppress prostate and bladder tumor growth
A novel therapy that reprograms immune cells to promote antitumor activity helped shrink hard-to-treat prostate and bladder cancers in mice, according to new research.
An increase in nightmares and hallucinations -- or 'daymares' -- could herald the onset of autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with type 2 inflammation may soon gain access to a new drug -- dupilumab -- that showed rapid and sustained improvements in patients in a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial, researchers report. This monoclonal antibody is the first biologic shown to improve clinical outcomes in COPD.
Electric school buses may yield significant health and climate benefits, cost savings
Replacing diesel school buses with electric school buses may yield up to $247,600 in climate and health benefits per individual bus, according to a new study. The researchers found that these benefits -- including fewer greenhouse gas emissions and reduced rates of adult mortality and childhood asthma -- and their associated savings are strongest in large cities and among fleets of old (2005 and before) buses.
Yoga and meditation-induced altered states of consciousness are common in the general population
A new study finds that altered states of consciousness associated with yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and other practices are common, and mostly positive or even transformative, but that for some people, they can be linked to suffering.
Mothers live longer as child mortality declines
The dramatic decline in childhood mortality during the 20th century has added a full year to women's lives, according to a new study.
Study sheds light on bacteria associated with pre-term birth
Multiple species of Gardnerella, bacteria sometimes associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and pre-term birth, can coexist in the same vaginal microbiome. The findings add to the emerging picture of Gardnerella's effects on human health.
New method to reveal what drives brain diseases
The brain is often referred to as a 'black box'-- one that's difficult to peer inside and determine what's happening at any given moment. This is part of the reason why it's difficult to understand the complex interplay of molecules, cells and genes that underlie neurological disorders. But a new CRISPR screen method has the potential to uncover new therapeutic targets and treatments for these conditions.
1 in 4 parents say their teen consumes caffeine daily or nearly every day
A quarter of parents report that caffeine is basically part of their teen's daily life, according to a new national poll.
Extreme heat associated with children's asthma hospital visits
Extreme heat events were associated with increased asthma hospital visits, according to new research.
Researchers have found that increased neuron formation and the subsequent rewiring of neural circuits in the hippocampus through exercise or genetic manipulation helps mice forget traumatic or drug-associated memories. The findings could offer a new approach to treating mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder or drug addiction.
Study offers new detail on how COVID-19 affects the lungs
New research shows that ferroptosis, a form of cell death, occurs in severe COVID-19 patient lungs. Stopping it improves outcomes.
Body's 'message in a bottle' delivers targeted cancer treatment
Researchers have succeeded in delivering targeted cancer treatment via small membrane bubbles that our cells use to communicate. A new study shows that the treatment reduces tumor growth and improves survival in mice.
New mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance
Two newly discovered mechanisms in bacteria have been identified that can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. Changing the number of copies of resistance genes in bacteria increases antibiotic resistance, and can do so very quickly. These two mechanisms, along with a third known mechanism, can occur independently of each other, even within the same bacterial cell.
Robot-phobia could exacerbate hotel, restaurant labor shortage
Using more robots to close labor gaps in the hospitality industry may backfire and cause more human workers to quit, according to a new study. The study, involving more than 620 lodging and food service employees, found that 'robot-phobia' -- specifically the fear that robots and technology will take human jobs -- increased workers' job insecurity and stress, leading to greater intentions to leave their jobs. The impact was more pronounced with employees who had real experience working with robotic technology. It also affected managers in addition to frontline workers.
Scientists uncover promising treatment target for resistant brain cancer
For many patients with a deadly type of brain cancer called glioblastoma, chemotherapy resistance is a big problem. But now, researchers may have moved a step closer to a solution.
Significant gaps between science of obesity and the care patients receive
More than 40% of adults in the United States live with obesity, and the percentage of people living with obesity continues to increase dramatically. While experts have learned a great deal about the causes of obesity and effective treatments for it, that information isn't always implemented in clinical settings, which may be hindering progress in reducing the rates of cardiovascular disease.
Brain 'assembloids' mimic human blood-brain barrier
Major advance promises to accelerate the understanding and improved treatment of a wide range of brain disorders, including stroke, cerebral vascular disorders, brain cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions.
New AI algorithm may improve autoimmune disease prediction and therapies
A new advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm more accurately model how genes associated with specific autoimmune diseases are expressed and regulated and to identify additional genes of risk. The method outperforms existing methodologies and identified 26% more novel gene and trait associations.
Better medical record-keeping needed to fight antibiotic overuse
A lack of detailed record-keeping in clinics and emergency departments may be getting in the way of reducing the inappropriate use of antibiotics, a pair of new studies suggests. In one of the studies, about 10% of children and 35% of adults who got an antibiotic prescription during an office visit had no specific reason for the antibiotic in their record.
The latest findings forecast that global life expectancy will increase by 4.9 years in males and 4.2 years in females between 2022 and 2050. Increases are expected to be largest in countries where life expectancy is lower, contributing to a convergence of increased life expectancy across geographies. The trend is largely driven by public health measures that have prevented and improved survival rates from cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, and a range of communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases (CMNNs).
A recombinant form of human ADAMTS13 approved for a different condition helped to save the life of a young mother with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Chronic wasting disease unlikely to move from animals to people
A new study of prion diseases, using a human cerebral organoid model, suggests there is a substantial species barrier preventing transmission of chronic wasting disease (CWD) from cervids -- deer, elk and moose -- to people. The findings are consistent with decades of similar research in animal models.
Repeat COVID-19 vaccinations elicit antibodies that neutralize variants, other viruses
A study has found that repeat vaccination with updated versions of the COVID-19 vaccine promotes the development of antibodies that neutralize a wide range of variants of the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as related coronaviruses.
Sweet taste receptor affects how glucose is handled metabolically by humans
The sweet-taste receptor might be the first stop in a metabolic surveillance system for sugar. The receptor is also expressed in certain intestinal cells, where it may facilitate glucose absorption and assimilation, as part of this system. A team found that stimulation and inhibition of the sweet receptor helps regulate glucose metabolism in humans and may have implications for managing such metabolic disorders as diabetes.
Research finds VISTA directly blocks T-cells from functioning in immunotherapy
A team of scientists and physicians have discovered that the immune checkpoint protein VISTA can directly turn off tumor-fighting T-cells during immunotherapy and resist treatment. The study explains that VISTA can bind to a protein called LRIG1 in T cells, which was previously only thought to promote bone and fat development. When VISTA binds to LRIG1, the researchers found, LRIG1 sends signals that suppress T cell replication, survival and function. This interaction can happen between molecules on tumor cells and on T cells, molecules on healthy cells and T cells and even between molecules on the same T cell.
Gut bacteria boost immune response to fight tumors
Researchers have found that a strain of gut bacteria can boost immune responses and enhance cancer immunotherapy to fight sarcoma tumors in mice.
A long-term ketogenic diet accumulates aged cells in normal tissues, study finds
New research finds that a continuous, long-term ketogenic diet may induce senescence, or aged, cells in normal tissues, with particular implications for heart and kidney function. But planned breaks from the diet could help in prevention.
New AI tool to help beat brain tumors
A new AI tool to more quickly and accurately classify brain tumors has been developed.
Seeing not just with the eyes: Degree of arousal affects perception
The brain modulates visual signals according to internal states, as a new study by neuroscientists reveals.
Researchers develop 'game-changing' blood test for stroke detection
Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the second leading cause of death, but the right early intervention can prevent severe consequences. Scientists developed a new test by combining blood-based biomarkers with a clinical score to identify patients experiencing large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke with high accuracy.
Fruit fly wing research offers window into birth defects
If fruit fly wings do not develop into the right shape, the flies will die. Researchers have learned how fly embryo cells develop as they need to, opening a window into human development and possible treatments for birth defects.