ScienceDaily: Health - November 28, 2024
Top health research news
Simple secret to living a longer life
Increasing physical activity levels could extend your life up to 11 more years according to new research using accelometry data. The study found that for the least active people in the population, a single one-hour walk could return a benefit of six additional hours of life.
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Sound of traffic increases stress and anxiety, study finds
Manmade sounds such vehicle traffic can mask the positive impact of nature soundscapes on people's stress and anxiety, according to a new study.
For those with CTE, family history of mental illness tied to aggression in middle age
People who have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) who have a family history of mental illness may have a higher risk of aggression in middle age, according to a new study.
Gold beats platinum for chemo drugs in new lab study
Researchers have used a new gold-based drug to slow tumor growth in animals by 82% and target cancers more selectively than standard chemotherapy drugs, according to a new study.
Soccer heading damages brain regions affected in CTE, study finds
Soccer heading may cause more damage to the brain than previously thought, according to a new study.
Caregivers experience decline in well-being
New research, based on data from more than 28,000 caregivers in three countries, shows that the longer individuals spend caring for loved ones, the more their well-being suffers, regardless of the caregiving context. These findings underscore the need for policy discussions to alleviate the burden of informal care.
AI can predict study results better than human experts, researchers find
Large language models, a type of AI that analyses text, can predict the results of proposed neuroscience studies more accurately than human experts, finds a new study. The findings demonstrate that large language models (LLMs) trained on vast datasets of text can distil patterns from scientific literature, enabling them to forecast scientific outcomes with superhuman accuracy. The researchers say this highlights their potential as powerful tools for accelerating research, going far beyond just knowledge retrieval.
Brains grew faster as humans evolved
Brain size increased gradually within each ancient human species rather than through sudden leaps between species.
New discovery could offer significant answers on Alzheimer's disease
A new study represents a significant step forward in scientists' understanding of Alzheimer's disease. A team of investigators has examined the role of two proteins found in the brain and suggest the stability of their relationship to one another is crucial for memory formation and maintenance. Disruptions in this mechanical signalling pathway could lead to the disease. This is the first time this connection has been identified and could pave the way for therapeutic interventions.
No 'one size fits all' treatment for Type 1 Diabetes
Factors beyond carbohydrates have a substantial influence on blood glucose levels meaning current automated insulin delivery systems miss vital information required for glucose regulation, a new study has found.
The food additive carrageenan (E 407) can be responsible for the development of chronic inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, and increased blood sugar levels in animals. Researchers have now investigated the effects of carrageenan on the human intestine and sugar metabolism. They found increased permeability of the small intestine, most likely due to intestinal inflammation.
Drug research: Decoding the structure of nano 'gene ferries'
Researchers have investigated how cationic polymers organize on a molecular level when transporting RNA drugs.
Scientists discover shared genetic foundations between musical rhythm and human language
A study has revealed that genetic variants associated with higher likelihood of rhythm impairments tended to be also associated with higher likelihood of dyslexia. The reverse was also the case: Genetic variants associated with more accurate musical rhythm skills co-occurred with genes linked to higher performance on language and reading tests, and to language-related educational outcomes.
Newer epilepsy medications used during pregnancy do not affect neurological development in children
Children of mothers who took certain anti-seizure medications while pregnant do not have worse neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 6, according to a long-running study.
Cellular traffic congestion in chronic diseases suggests new therapeutic targets
Chronic diseases such as diabetes are on the rise and are costly and challenging to treat. Scientists have discovered a common denominator driving these diverse diseases, which may prove to be a promising therapeutic target: proteolethargy, or reduced protein mobility, in the presence of oxidative stress.
New research points way to more reliable brain studies
A new study identifies research strategies for tying brain function and structure to behavior and health.
'Alzheimer's in dish' model shows promise for accelerating drug discovery
A decade ago, researchers introduced a new model for studying Alzheimer's disease. Known as 'Alzheimer's in a dish,' the model uses cultures of mature brain cells suspended in a gel to recapitulate what takes place in the human brain over 10 to 13 years in just six weeks. But does the model truly produce the same changes that take place in patients? In a new study, researchers created an algorithm to assess, in an unbiased manner, how well models of Alzheimer's disease mimic the function and gene expression patterns seen in patients' brains. Their results identify crucial shared pathways, confirming that the Alzheimer's in a dish model can be used to assess new drugs accurately and rapidly as well as point the way to drug discovery.
Cervical cancer deaths in young women plummet after introduction of HPV vaccine
Researchers found a reduction in cervical cancer mortality in women under the age of 25, which is likely due to the introduction of the HPV vaccine.
Breakthrough could revolutionize future of tick control
Scientists create potential for genetic tools to control disease-spreading ticks.
Long COVID brain fog linked to lung function
In patients with long COVID, lower pulmonary gas exchange may be associated with impaired cognitive function, according to a new study.
Concussions slow brain activity of high school football players
A new study of high school football players found that concussions affect an often-overlooked but important brain signal.
World's most common heart valve disease linked to insulin resistance in large national study
A large new population study of men over 45 indicates insulin resistance may be an important risk factor for the development of the world's most common heart valve disease -- aortic stenosis (AS).
It might be wrecking the climate, but carbon dioxide is actually good for your cells
Chemists unravel how bicarbonate can protect cells from oxidative stress in a study that challenges how cell damage has been studied for decades.
Scientists identify important factor in neural development
Scientists have shed new light on how certain biological processes determine the development of neural cells. Their findings on a molecular 'bridge' complex demonstrate a new level of detail in the understanding of early neural development -- which is fundamental for the further understanding of neurodevelopmental syndromes.
Drinking plenty of water may actually be good for you
Public health recommendations generally suggest drinking eight cups of water a day. And many people just assume it's healthy to drink plenty of water.
How long ring fingers can point to a love of alcohol
There is evidence that alcohol consumption is influenced by prenatal sex steroids, so experts decided to use a sample of students for their research into the subject.
Eliminating current physical activity disparities between male and female youth in the United States could save around $780 million for each new cohort of six-to-17-year-olds, according to a new study. In fact, bringing more equity to sports participation could save even more: $1.55 billion.
Great apes visually track subject-object relationships like humans do, study finds
Great apes track events with their eyes in the same way that humans do, according to a new study.
Recovery of testing for heart disease risk factors post-COVID remains patchy
Routine screening to detect risk factors for heart disease dropped sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic in England, and some key measurements, such as blood pressure readings, may still lag behind pre-pandemic levels, according to a new study.
Cancers grow uniformly throughout their mass, study finds
Cancer cells on the surface are thought to have natural advantages compared to cells deep within, which is why scientists have hypothesized tumors grow more in their periphery than in the core. A recent study found the opposite is true: tumors grow throughout their mass. The findings challenge the idea that a tumor is a 'two-speed' entity.
Air fryers confirmed as least polluting cooking method
Air fryers produce a tiny fraction of the indoor air pollution emitted by other cooking methods including pan and deep frying, a new study has shown.
New approach to epilepsy treatment combines genetics and brain mapping
Researchers have developed a new method called MoPEDE, which has the potential to improve epilepsy treatment. The method combines brain measurements with genetic analyses, offering deeper insights into the origins and mechanisms of epileptic seizures.
Over the last few decades, wild boar populations have increased in the urban areas of Barcelona and in other parts of Catalonia. This wild animal is an important reservoir of the hepatitis E virus. Now, a team has identified a relevant molecular similarity between the hepatitis E virus (HEV) strains of wild boars in the metropolitan area of Barcelona and the citizens of this area. According to the researchers, these data suggest that these animals could be a source of human hepatitis E infections in the metropolitan region.
Machine learning reveals behaviors linked with early Alzheimer's, points to new treatments
Scientists used a new video-based machine learning tool to pinpoint otherwise-undetectable signs of early disease in mice that were engineered to mimic key aspects of Alzheimer's. Their work sheds light on a new strategy for identifying neurological disease earlier than currently possible and tracking how it develops over time.
How cancer cell death may harm the immune system and promote tumor growth
A new study has uncovered an unexpected way cancer cells can escape the immune system, making it harder for treatments to work. The study explains how a type of cancer cell death can actually make tumors grow faster by turning off the immune system's ability to fight the cancer.
Cellular 'power plants' control inflammation
Researchers discover how mitochondria not only produce energy but also influence inflammation.
The link between sleep and blood pressure: New research sheds light on gender differences
You may have heard sleep described as something of a magic pill for the body. With the right amount, timing, and quality, it can work wonders -- strengthen the immune system, improve blood sugar, even decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Sleep differences have been reported for some time in men and women, but it is not well known whether the characteristics of sleep serve different functions in one gender over the other, especially as it relates to the heart. New research seeks answers.
Simple lab-free test to detect bacteria in fluids from water to urine
Engineers and biochemists have brought their skills together to make it possible for untrained users to confirm contamination in fluids using a biogel test that changes color in the presence of such bacteria as E. coli, listeria and other frequent testing targets.
Tirzepatide shows powerful diabetes-prevention effect in three-year trial
Tirzepatide, a new injectable weight-loss drug, reduced the risk of diabetes in patients with obesity and prediabetes by more than 90% over a three-year period, compared with placebo, according to the results of a new study.
Sub-Saharan Africa leads global HIV decline
A new study reveals significant progress in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, alongside a stark warning that current trends indicate the world is not on track to meet the ambitious UNAIDS 2030 targets.
Popular diabetes and obesity drugs also protect kidneys, study shows
The biggest and most comprehensive analysis of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists on kidney and cardiovascular outcomes shows they have significant benefits in people with and without diabetes.
Researchers recently collaborated on a novel, highly specific strategy to treat type 1 diabetes (T1D) using a tagged beta cell transplant in tandem with localized immune protection provided by specialized immune cells also tagged with a complementary but inert targeting molecule.
Potential new biomarker for psychosis diagnosis
The current standard of care for psychosis is a diagnostic interview, but what if it could be diagnosed before the first symptom emerged? Researchers are pointing toward a potential biomarker in the brain that could lead to more timely interventions and personalized care.
Hunger hormone leptin can direct neural development in a leptin receptor-independent manner
Researchers from the lab of Richard Simerly have uncovered the first example of activity-dependent development of hypothalamic neural circuitry. The work also suggests a novel role for the hunger hormone leptin in specifying the development of neural circuits involved in autonomic regulation and food intake.
Language used by mothers affects oxytocin levels of infants
Infants whose mothers regularly use language to describe what their child is thinking or feeling, have higher levels of the hormone oxytocin, finds a new study.
Dopamine and serotonin work in opposition to shape learning
Research shows that reward-based learning requires the two neuromodulators to balance one another's influence -- like the accelerator and brakes on a car
Self-assembling proteins can be used for higher performance, more sustainable skincare products
Researchers have created a novel protein-based gel as a potential ingredient in sustainable and high-performance personal skincare products (PSCPs). This protein-based material, named Q5, could transform the rheological -- or flow-related -- properties of PSCPs, making them more stable under the slightly acidic conditions of human skin. This innovation could also streamline the creation of more eco-friendly skincare products, offering increased efficacy and durability while addressing market demands for ethically sourced ingredients.
Research links wildfire smoke exposure with increased dementia risk
Research found that wildfire smoke is especially hazardous to people's memory health. An analysis of the health care records of 1.2 million Southern California residents found that higher long-term smoke exposure was associated with a significant increase in the odds that a person would be diagnosed with dementia.
Beyond screen time: Complex factors shaping child development
New research challenges views on screen time, revealing factors such as parental mental health and the type of screen being used may have some impact on child development.
Alzheimer's: New strategy for amyloid diagnostics
A research group has investigated how Alzheimer's disease can be diagnosed more reliably in the future.
Innovative approach maps gene activity in the living human brain
A groundbreaking method to profile gene activity in the living human brain has been developed. This innovative approach opens new avenues for understanding and treating neurological conditions like epilepsy.
Researchers developed an innovative approach -- demonstrated in mouse models and isolated human brain tissue -- to safely and effectively deliver therapeutics into the brain, providing new possibilities for treating a wide range of neurological and psychiatric diseases. The study introduces a first-of-its-kind blood-brain barrier-crossing conjugate (BCC) system, designed to overcome the protective barrier that typically blocks large biomolecules from reaching the central nervous system (CNS).
Inceptor regulates insulin homeostasis: A new approach for diabetes therapies
In 2021, a research team discovered the insulin-inhibitory receptor 'Inceptor' and its role as a suppressor of the insulin signaling pathway. Now, the researchers have unlocked another, even more significant function of the receptor: it binds insulin and directs its breakdown within beta cells. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches that not only strengthen beta cell function but also enable a causal treatment for diabetes.
Political opinions influence our choice of chocolate
We distance ourselves from completely neutral products if they are liked by people who have political views that we find disagreeable. Even chocolate can be political, according to new research from Sweden. The behavior is reinforced if we have to make a decision when others are watching.
Scientists find why tamoxifen works better for some people
Tamoxifen is a common and important treatment to prevent breast cancer from recurring. A new study shows that variation in a patient's gut microbiome can impact how effective the treatment is.
Phages, towards a targeted alternative to antibiotics
With the rapid development of antibiotics in the 1930s, phage therapy -- using viruses known as bacteriophages or phages to tackle bacterial infections -- fell into oblivion. But as the current rise in antibiotic resistance is making it increasingly difficult to treat bacterial infections, phage therapy is once again sparking interest among physicians and scientists -- although it remains complex in practice because of the great diversity and specificity of phages.
Researchers use fitness tracker data and machine learning to detect bipolar disorder mood swings
Investigators evaluated whether data collected from a fitness tracker could be used to accurately detect mood episodes in people with bipolar disorder.
Researchers develop tools to examine neighborhood economic effects on spinal cord injury outcomes
A new study emphasizes that neighborhood conditions significantly shape recovery opportunities for individuals with SCI and advocates for environmental interventions to reduce health inequities.
Pandrug-resistant bacteria from the war in Ukraine are extremely pathogenic
It has been a year ago since bacteria from war-wounded at hospitals in Ukraine were analyzed. The study showed that some of the bacteria types had total resistance to antibiotics. Now, the same researchers have examined the infectiousness of the bacteria. 'The bacterium 'Klebsiella pneumoniae', which is resistant to all antibiotics, is also particularly aggressive and dangerous,' says the lead author of the study.
Brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer's therapies shows effectiveness rather than harm
A loss of brain volume associated with new immunotherapies for Alzheimer's disease may be caused by the removal of amyloid plaques, rather than the loss of neurons or brain tissue, finds a new study.