ScienceDaily: Health - November 02, 2023
Top health research news
What happens when we pass out? Researchers ID new brain and heart connections
Researchers have for the first time identified the genetic pathway between the heart and brain tied to fainting. They found that vagal sensory neurons trigger fainting, laying a foundation for addressing fainting-related disorders.
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Researchers examine the relationship between loneliness and being alone
A new study finds that solitary time does not closely correlate with feelings of loneliness -- unless a person spends 75% of their time alone.
Chemists make breakthrough in drug discovery chemistry
Chemists offer two new methods to develop a way to easily replace a carbon atom with a nitrogen atom in a molecule. Â The findings could make it easier to develop new drugs.
Repurposed drug offers new potential for managing type 1 diabetes
A new study presents exciting future possibilities for the management of type 1 diabetes and the potential reduction of insulin dependency. The study's findings suggest repurposing of the drug alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) may open doors to innovative therapies in the future.
First mice engineered to survive COVID-19 like young, healthy humans
Researchers have genetically engineered the first mice that get a human-like form of COVID-19, according to a new study.
Injectable tissue prosthesis to aid in damaged muscle/nerve regeneration
Researchers have made significant strides in biomaterial technology and rehabilitation medicine. They've developed a novel approach to healing muscle injury by employing 'injectable tissue prosthesis' in the form of conductive hydrogels and combining it with a robot-assisted rehabilitation system.
Breakthrough discovery sheds light on heart and muscle health
The human heart, often described as the body's engine, is a remarkable organ that tirelessly beats to keep us alive. At the core of this vital organ, intricate processes occur when it contracts, where thick and thin protein-filaments interact within the sarcomere, the fundamental building block of both skeletal and heart muscle cells. Any alterations in thick filament proteins can have severe consequences for our health, leading to conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and various other heart and muscle diseases.
High metabolism is an early sign of Alzheimer's disease
An early phase in the process of developing Alzheimer's disease is a metabolic increase in a part of the brain called the hippocampus, report researchers.
Mobile phone use may affect semen quality
Does electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones affect semen quality? While various environmental and lifestyle factors have been proposed to explain the decline in semen quality observed over the last fifty years, the role of mobile phones has yet to be demonstrated. A team has now published a major cross-sectional study on the subject. It shows that frequent use of mobile phones is associated with a lower sperm concentration and total sperm count.
Contraceptive pill users less likely to report depression
A new study has shown that women who are taking the oral contraceptive pill are less likely to report depression. The research, which analysed data from 6,239 women in the United States aged 18-55 years old, found that the prevalence of major depression amongst users of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) was significantly lower, at 4.6%, compared to former OCP users (11.4%).
Having a bad boss makes you a worse employee
Researchers found that employees who prioritize career advancement are strongly affected by abusive leadership while employees who prioritized job security remained just as likely to take charge after experiencing abusive supervision. Employees who prioritize advancement tend to hunker down and reduce taking-charge behavior after experiencing abusive supervision.
Risk of viral airborne transmission peaks within 5 seconds of face-to-face encounters
Researchers visualized and measured the flow field of aerosol particles derived from exhaled air and examined the risk of viral exposure during face-to-face encounters, such as while walking, jogging, running, or sprinting. The results showed that the number of aerosol particles during face-to-face encounters peaked within 5 seconds after the encounter and rapidly declined thereafter.
New hope to treat and reverse osteoarthritis
Current osteoarthritis treatment manages symptoms rather than addressing the underlying disease, but a new study has shown the condition may be treatable and reversible.
Anesthesia technology precisely controls unconsciousness in animal tests
An advanced closed-loop anesthesia delivery system that monitors brain state to tailor propofol dose and achieve exactly the desired level of unconsciousness could reduce post-op side effects.
Cognitive skills underlying the ability to plan, switch from task to task and resist tempting distractions usually matures by the time an individual turns 18 years old, a new study says.
Individuals with severe sickle cell disease express high risk tolerance for gene therapies
Individuals living with severe sickle cell disease (SCD) are highly interested in new, potentially curative gene therapy treatments and are willing to accept associated risks for a chance at a cure, according to a new study.
Outlook on exercise may curb aging anxiety
A positive attitude about physical activity may be related to lower anxiety about aging. Researchers who analyzed results from a multi-state survey say gender, age, marital status and income affect perspectives on exercise and aging but that reframing messages about both can lead to healthy behaviors.
Scientists train AI to illuminate drugs' impact
Predicting who could benefit from a given drug has been difficult. An international team is training AI to assist.
How cruise ships can steer clear of viral spread
Researchers examine how ventilation can affect transmission of airborne viruses in a typical cruise ship cabin based on guidelines developed before and after the pandemic. They conducted simulations for virus droplets from a cough in a typical cabin that accommodates two or more people, with different ventilation rates and different positions of the person emitting the cough. Computational fluid dynamics testing ranged from 1.5 to 15 air changes per hour to capture all possible scenarios, from minimal ventilation to rates exceeding the most recent recommendations.
Soy expansion in Brazil linked to increase in childhood leukemia deaths
Brazil's rapid expansion of soy production has meant an associated rise in pesticide use. Researchers found a statistically significant correlation between soy expansion and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) deaths in children between 2008 and 2019, representing the first population-wide analysis of the association between indirect exposure to agricultural pesticides and cancer.
The brain may learn about the world the same way some computational models do
New studies support the idea that the brain uses a process similar to a machine-learning approach known as 'self-supervised learning.' This type of machine learning allows computational models to learn about visual scenes based solely on the similarities and differences between them, with no labels or other information.
Why all languages have words for 'this' and 'that'
Researchers have found that languages around the world have words for 'this' and 'that'. The 45-strong international team studied 29 languages from around the world including English, Spanish, Norwegian, Japanese, Mandarin, Tzeltal and Telugu. They wanted to see how more than 1,000 speakers use demonstratives -- words that show where something is in relation to a person talking such as 'this cat' or 'that dog'.
Canine cuddles can comfort equally across all genders
While there are a number of studies demonstrating that dog therapy programs can improve a person's social and emotional wellbeing, many typically have a disproportionate number of female participants. Recent research evaluated if there are gender differences in wellbeing by setting up separate dog therapy sessions for those who identified as female, male and gender diverse participants.
Protein interaction causing rare but deadly vaccine-related clotting found
A mechanism that led some patients to experience cases of deadly clotting following some types of Covid-19 vaccination has been identified in new research.
Lab unlocks keys to alcohol withdrawal headache
Researchers have discovered mechanisms by which specific cells are activated in alcohol withdrawal-induced headache. The research may benefit further studies of various substance use disorder mechanisms including withdrawal. It may be possible to develop a small-molecule drug therapy to inhibit interactions, resulting in fewer pain signals during alcohol withdrawal.
Improving deep sleep may prevent dementia, study finds
As little as 1 per cent reduction in deep sleep per year for people over 60 years of age translates into a 27 per cent increased risk of dementia, according to a study which suggests that enhancing or maintaining deep sleep, also known as slow wave sleep, in older years could stave off dementia.
Specific gut bacteria increase risk of severe malaria
Researchers have identified multiple species of bacteria that, when present in the gut, are linked to an increased risk of developing severe malaria in humans and mice.
Want to achieve your goals? Get angry
While often perceived as a negative emotion, anger can also be a powerful motivator for people to achieve challenging goals in their lives, according to new research.
High engagement, high return: The secret to student success
High engagement, high return. That's the advice from education experts for teachers looking to improve student outcomes. Researchers found that less than a third of teachers are engaging students in complex learning, limiting student opportunities for building critical thinking and problem solving.
A wave theory for a neurochemical balance in the brain
Scientists describe a new kind of neurochemical wave in the brain. Their research unveils the existence of traveling waves of the neurochemical acetylcholine in the striatum, a region of the brain responsible for motivating actions and habitual behaviors.
Heat-related cardiovascular deaths in the U.S. may more than double within decades
In nationwide projections, elderly and Black adults are most at risk for cardiovascular death due to extreme heat, finds a new study.
Virtual meetings tire people because we're doing them wrong
New research suggests sleepiness during virtual meetings is caused by mental underload and boredom. Earlier studies suggested that fatigue from virtual meetings stems from mental overload, but new research shows that sleepiness during virtual meetings might actually be a result of mental underload and boredom.
Selenium reduces mixtures of environmental pollutants' harmful effects on health
A study in mice demonstrates that exposure to contaminating mixtures of metals and drug residue increases damage to health, and evaluates the positive effects of a diet enriched in selenium to reduce this harm.
Cat-ching criminals with DNA from pet hairs
Cat hair could be the purr-fect way to catch criminals, according to researchers.
Intestinal bacteria metabolite promotes capture of antigens by dendritic cells
Dendritic cells are immune cells that capture and present antigens to T cells, activating an immune response. Researchers have discovered that short-chain fatty acids produced by intestinal bacteria regulate a crucial step in this process, the extension of dendritic 'arms.' This breakthrough finding could potentially lead to the development of disease prevention strategies involving beneficial bacteria and new drugs targeting the regulation of dendritic cell function.
Controlling organoids with light
Organoids help researchers understand biological processes in health and in disease. It is, however, difficult to influence the way in which they organize themselves into complex tissues. Now a group has found a new way to do so.
Insulin icodec, a once-weekly basal injection to treat type 1 diabetes, has the potential to be as effective in managing the condition as daily basal insulin treatments, according to new research. The results of the year-long phase 3 clinical trial could revolutionize the future of diabetes care and help millions of people better manage their condition.
Drawing a tube of blood could assess ALS risk from environmental toxin exposure
Investigators have developed a new risk score that assesses a person's risk for developing ALS, as well as for survival after diagnosis, using a blood sample based on exposure to toxins in the environment, a new study shows.
The genetic heritage of the Denisovans may have left its mark on our mental health
A research team has identified the most widespread genetic contribution by Denisovans to date. The study reveals that the genetic variant observed, which affects zinc regulation, could have signified an evolutionary advantage in our ancestors' adaptation to the cold. The study also reveals that this genetic adaptation may have predisposed modern humans to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Intermittent fasting is safe, effective for those with Type 2 diabetes, study suggests
Time-restricted eating, also known as intermittent fasting, can help people with Type 2 diabetes lose weight and control their blood sugar levels, according to a new study.
Possible cause of male infertility
Mature spermatozoa are characterized by an head, midpiece and a long tail for locomotion. Now, researchers have found that a loss of the structural protein ACTL7B blocks spermatogenesis in male mice. The cells can no longer develop their characteristic shape and remain in a rather round form. The animals are infertile.
Hidden way for us to feel touch
Researchers have discovered a hidden mechanism within hair follicles that allow us to feel touch.
Mechanics of breast cancer metastasis discovered, offering target for treatment
The most lethal feature of any cancer is metastasis, the spread of cancer cells throughout the body. New research reveals the mechanics behind how breast cancer cells may invade healthy tissues. The discovery, showing that a motor protein called dynein powers the movement of cancer cells in soft tissue models, offers new clinical targets against metastasis and has the potential to fundamentally change how cancer is treated.
Long COVID most prevalent in the most seriously ill
A new study has charted the prevalence of severe physical symptom burden amongst Scandinavians for up to two years after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most affected were people who had a severe COVID-19 infection, while the researchers found no elevated prevalence of long COVID in those who had never been bedridden.
Discovery concerning receptors used by coronaviruses to enter human cells
The SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19 can cause severe acute respiratory syndrome, contrasting with other coronaviruses that were known to cause mild seasonal colds prior to its emergence in 2019. This raises the question of why one coronavirus affects humans more severely than another. Scientists have now provided part of the answer by identifying a gateway used by the seasonal coronavirus HKU1 to enter human cells.
The sunscreen paradox: Researchers warn of 'false sense of security'
Sunscreen usage is climbing, but so are melanoma and skin cancer rates: this, researchers say, is the sunscreen paradox.
Researchers solve protein mystery
Researchers have uncovered that proteins use a common chemical label as a shield to protect them from degradation, which in turn affects motility and aging.
Effective treatment for rare sight-threatening infection
A drug candidate has been found to be highly effective in treating a rare sight-threatening eye infection in a new international clinical trial.
Scientists build on artificial intelligence to create next-generation gastric acid treatment
A research group from Japan employed artificial intelligence (AI) to develop next-generation stomach acid inhibitors. By producing AI designs and refining them in the laboratory, their findings indicate a novel method of partnering with AI to develop the next iteration of gastric acid treatment.
Youngest children in their class with ADHD are just as likely to keep the diagnosis when enter adulthood as older pupils in their year group. In the past, scientists have questioned the validity of ADHD in younger pupils, arguing they are only diagnosed because they are less mature than their peers. But this study shows that these children are no more likely to lose ADHD diagnosis over time than those born towards the start of the school year.
Common chemotherapy drugs don't work like doctors thought, with big implications for drug discovery
A new study suggests that chemotherapy may not be reaching its full potential, in part because researchers and doctors have long misunderstood how some of the most common cancer drugs actually ward off tumors.
Number of dementia cases could be 42% higher than previously estimated by 2040
Up to 1.7 million people could be living with dementia in England and Wales by 2040 -- over 40% more than previously forecast -- finds a new study.
Excess fluoride linked to cognitive impairment in children
Long-term consumption of water with fluoride levels far above established drinking water standards may be linked to cognitive impairments in children, according to a new study. The study tested the cognition of 74 children in rural Ethiopian villages where wells have varying levels of naturally occurring fluroride.
Genetics links endometriosis and IBS
Researchers have found a significant relationship between the risks for endometriosis and common gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS, peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Sufferers can find it difficult to distinguish the source of their pain leading to confusion or misdiagnosis and years of delay in treatment during which time the endometriosis can progress to more severe disease -- endometriosis should be considered as a possible cause if a woman presents to her GP with abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Mammalian cells may consume bacteria-killing viruses to promote cellular health
Bacteriophages, also called phages, are viruses that infect and kill bacteria, their natural hosts. But from a macromolecular viewpoint, phages can be viewed as nutritionally enriched packets of nucleotides wrapped in an amino acid shell. A study suggests that mammalian cells internalize phages as a resource to promote cellular growth and survival.
Mobile stroke units increase odds of averting stroke
Receiving a clot-busting drug in an ambulance-based mobile stroke unit (MSU) increases the likelihood of averting strokes and complete recovery compared with standard hospital emergency care, according to researchers.
Is red meat intake linked to inflammation?
The researchers used blood metabolite data, which can provide a more direct link between diet and health, to assess the role of red meat on inflammation risk.
People with autism less likely to succumb to bystander effect, research finds
A well-established psychological theory states that most of us are less likely to intervene in a bad situation if other people are present, and this 'bystander effect' also applies to workplace settings. However, new research shows that people with autism are less likely to be affected by this social contagion than neurotypical people. They are less likely to stay silent in the face of gross misconduct or even just everyday mistakes, pointing to the positive aspects of autism and how organizations can benefit from hiring more neurodivergent people, findings reveal.
Bone density is kept up by the same process with hair color
Research finds an overlap in the mechanism of hair color determination and bone resorption, which is associated with bone related diseases like osteoporosis. The findings revealed that proteins named Rab32 and Rab38 play pivotal roles in bone resorption in osteoclast, cell specialized in the process. These proteins are also crucial for pigmentation of hair and skins.
Cutting-edge imaging sheds new light on cells that break down bone
Imaging technology shows that bone-resorbing osteoclasts gather in distinct pockets, leading to new insights for osteoporosis and cancer treatment.