ScienceDaily: Health - October 10, 2024
Top health research news
Why people think they're right, even when they are wrong
If you smugly believe you're right in a disagreement with a friend or colleague, a new study suggests why you may actually be wrong. Researchers found that people naturally assume they have all the information they need to make a decision or support their position, even when they do not.
Image: Linaimages/Shutterstock.com
Researchers have identified how the architecture of brain circuits helps different species flexibly adapt to new mating signals across evolutionary timeframes.
Do people with MS have an increased risk of cancer?
A new study has found some cancers to be slightly more frequent in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in people without MS. Types of cancers found to have a small increased risk include bladder, brain and cervical cancers. The study does not prove that MS increases a person's risk of cancer. It only shows an association.
Gene therapy shows long-term benefit for patients with a rare pediatric brain disease
Cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD) is a rare progressive, genetic brain disease that primarily presents in young boys, causing loss of neurological function and ultimately leading to early death. Researchers have shown that six years after treatment with the first gene therapy approved for CALD, 94 percent of patients have had no decline in neurological functioning, with over 80 percent remaining free of major disability.
Viruses are teeming on your toothbrush, showerhead
Microbiologists found that showerheads and toothbrushes are teeming with an extremely diverse collection of viruses -- most of which have never been seen before.
Arrhythmic hearts after excessive alcohol consumption
Researchers find cardiac arrhythmias in partygoers who had drunk a lot of alcohol.
As flu season approaches, researchers are discovering that the flu and fake news have far more in common than we may think.
Genome-wide association studies have great potential for advancing our understanding of the genetic background of diseases, but so far, few association studies have focused on maternal and newborn diseases, and most have been based on predominantly European populations. To fill these gaps, researchers generated and analyzed full-genome DNA sequences from non-invasive prenatal blood tests collected from over 25,000 pregnant women, all of whom were Han Chinese.
Study probes how eating less can extend lifespan
Researchers tracked the health of nearly one thousand mice on a variety of diets to see if these diets would extend the mice's lifespan. The study was designed to ensure that each mouse was genetically distinct, which allowed the team to better represent the genetic diversity of the human population. By doing so, the results are made more clinically relevant, elevating the study to one of the most significant investigations into aging and lifespan to date.
Extended Timing: How neurons encode information on timescales that match learning
New research has identified a key step in how neurons encode information on timescales that match learning.
Study uncovers mutations and DNA structures driving bladder cancer
How bladder cancer originates and progresses has been illuminated as never before. Researchers found that antiviral enzymes that mutate the DNA of normal and cancer cells are key promoters of early bladder cancer development, and that standard chemotherapy is also a potent source of mutations. The researchers also discovered that overactive genes within abnormal circular DNA structures in tumor cells genes drive bladder cancer resistance to therapy. These findings are novel insights into bladder cancer biology and point to new therapeutic strategies for this difficult-to-treat cancer.
Another step towards decoding smell
We often only realize how important our sense of smell is when it is no longer there: food is not as tasty as it once was, or we no longer react to dangers such as the smell of smoke. Researchers have investigated the neuronal mechanisms of human odor perception for the first time. Individual nerve cells in the brain recognize odors and react specifically to the smell, the image and the written word of an object, for example a banana. The results of this study close a long-standing knowledge gap between animal and human odor research.
A new article shares findings from an extensive literature analysis of AI's current trajectory in health care.
Team engineers new enzyme to produce synthetic genetic material
A research team describes how they engineered an efficient new enzyme that can produce a synthetic genetic material called threose nucleic acid. The ability to synthesize artificial chains of TNA, which is inherently more stable than DNA, advances the discovery of potentially more powerful, precise therapeutic options to treat cancer and autoimmune, metabolic and infectious diseases.
Oh my meniscus: Age poses risk of further knee injury in children
A research team evaluated the treatment outcomes for discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) with osteochondritis dissecans. Age was found to be a risk factor for osteochondritis dissecans relapse or post-operative occurrence, and surgery on patients ages 9 and under was found to be related to the occurrence of osteochondritis dissecans.
Asymmetric placebo effect in response to spicy food
The expectations humans have of a pleasurable sensation asymmetrically shape neuronal responses and subjective experiences to hot sauce, according to a new study.
Echoes in the brain: Why today's workout could fuel next week's bright idea
In a pioneering longitudinal study, researchers found that the everyday effects of sleep, exercise, heart rate and mood -- both good and bad -- could linger in our brains for over two weeks.
One-time cooperation decisions unaffected by increased benefits to society
Until now, it was considered certain that people are more likely to cooperate if the benefits from cooperation are higher. A recently published, large-scale study has now called this finding into question: in over 2000 study participants, the researchers found no relationship between benefits from cooperation and willingness to cooperate.
A new tool detects the evolutionary advantages of multiple myeloma cells over the different treatments available. The information it provides can help prevent the tumor from becoming resistant to drugs.
Key molecule in wound healing identified
A new study has identified an RNA molecule that is important for skin wound healing. The research may have implications for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds.
How diabetes-risk genes make cells less resilient to stress
Researchers have now discovered that DNA sequence changes known to increase a person's risk for diabetes are linked to how well pancreatic cells can handle two different kinds of molecular stress. In people with these DNA changes, the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas may be more likely to fail or die when exposed to stress and inflammation.
The secret strength of our cell guards
Proteins control most of the body's functions, and their malfunction can have severe consequences, such as neurodegenerative diseases or cancer. Therefore, cells have mechanisms in place to control protein quality. In animal and human cells, chaperones of the Hsp70 class are at the heart of this control system, overseeing a wide array of biological processes. Yet, despite their crucial role, the precise molecular mechanism of Hsp70 chaperones has remained elusive for decades. Using a cutting-edge nanopore single-molecule technique, a team has now made a significant breakthrough in determining how Hsp70 chaperones generate the force needed to manipulate the structure of their client proteins.
Hip osteoarthritis: Head gets in the way of recovery, study suggests
Muscle activation in people suffering from hip osteoarthritis might be a case of 'mind over matter', new research has shown. A recent study investigated muscle function in people with hip osteoarthritis and found that these patients were unable to activate their muscles as efficiently.
Increase access to nature in all daily environments and in education
Although access to nature is a basic human right, people's actual use of green spaces is subject to inequalities. A research team analyzed what conditions make it more likely that people are exposed to nature across generations: the availability of green spaces around where they live, work and shop, as well as nature relatedness and past natural experiences. Their findings may inform policies for urban planning and education for the improvement of human health.
Mental health app could help prevent depression in young people at high risk
A cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) app has been found to significantly prevent increases in depression in young people who are at high risk -- and could be implemented as a cost effective public mental health measure.
New apps will enable safer indoor navigation for visually impaired
Two new apps will enable blind people to navigate indoor buildings with spoken directions from a smartphone app, providing a safe method of wayfinding where GPS doesn't work.
Texting while walking puts pedestrians in danger
Research analyzing actual pedestrian interactions with vehicles on busy streets concludes that distracted pedestrians face higher safety risks compared with undistracted road users. The study found that distracted pedestrians often remained unaware of their surroundings, making fewer adjustments to their path or speed, which decreased their overall navigational efficiency. This level of distraction can increase the severity of vehicle interaction and near misses by 45 per cent.
Harnessing natural killer T cells to advance cancer immunotherapy for solid tumors
In the fight against cancer, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has achieved notable success in treating blood cancers. However, it has been largely ineffective against solid tumors. A study demonstrates that a different immunotherapy approach utilizing natural killer T cells produced significant antitumor activity in preclinical models of solid tumors.
Study explores novel therapeutic treatment for glioblastoma
Researchers discovered combining the brain-penetrating antipsychotic drug pimozide with a clinically investigative glutamine metabolism inhibitor, CB-839, can overcome tumor resistance and effectively suppress GBM growth.
Menstrual cycle luteal phase lengths are not 'fixed' at 13-14 days
New study shows that the lengths of menstrual cycles, follicular phases (before egg release) and luteal phases (after ovulation) are all variable. The luteal phase is importantly more variable than currently believed.
Should men and women eat different breakfasts to lose weight?
It's not a bad thing if you pick a toasted bagel for breakfast, while your partner chooses eggs. In fact that difference could help you lose some weight.
Common consumer product chemicals now tied to cardiac electrical changes
Some environmental phenols are known to have cardiac toxicities. Now, a new study is revealing their adverse impact on the heart's electrical properties.
Promising cell therapy offers hope for relapsed or refractory T-cell leukaemia
Fratricide-resistant CD7 CAR-T therapy by NUS proves effective in treating relapsed or refractory T-cell leukaemia
Scientists discover a secret to regulating our body clock, offering new approach to end jet lag
Scientists have discovered the secret to regulating our internal clock. They identified that this regulator sits right at the tail end of Casein Kinase 1 delta, a protein which acts as a pace setter for our internal biological clock or the natural 24-hour cycles that control sleep-wake patterns and other daily functions, known as circadian rhythm.
Fear of childbirth is associated with shorter duration of breastfeeding
The duration of breastfeeding is shorter than average among mothers with a fear of childbirth -- regardless of the mode of delivery, a new study from Finland shows.
Autobiographical memory in the digital age: Our lives in the mirror of our data
Never before have people recorded more information about their lives than today. But what does this mean for the way we remember our lives and how we talk about them? Researchers are trying to find answers to these questions.
Gut hormones could hold the key to fighting fatty liver disease
Fatty liver disease is a growing global health concern. Proglucagon-derived peptides (PGDPs), including glucagon, GLP-1, and GLP-2, are known to regulate lipid metabolism in the liver. However, the mechanism underlying this remains unelucidated. Now, researchers have investigated the role of PGDPs, including glucagon, GLP-1, and GLP-2, in fat accumulation in the liver using GCGKO mice deficient in these peptides.
Researchers confront new US and global challenges in vaccinations of adults
Over the past decade, decreasing vaccination rates now threaten the huge beneficial impacts of vaccinations in the U.S. and globally. Researchers discuss the multifactorial barriers including increasing vaccine hesitancy and new clinical and public health challenges in vaccinations of U.S. adults.
Brain network study reveals clues about dementia's behavior changes
Dementia doesn't just erode memory -- it also changes behavior and mental health. A study shows the brain's salience network and tau protein may be involved.
Despite medical advances, life expectancy gains are slowing
After nearly doubling over the 20th century, the rate of increase in life expectancy has slowed considerably in the last three decades, according to a new study.
Commonly used arm positions can substantially overestimate blood pressure readings
Researchers conclude that commonly used ways of positioning the patient's arm during blood pressure (BP) screenings can substantially overestimate test results and may lead to a misdiagnosis of hypertension.
An early blood test can predict survival in patients with metastatic prostate cancer
A blood test, performed when metastatic prostate cancer is first diagnosed, can predict which patients are likely to respond to treatment and survive the longest. It can help providers decide which patients should receive standard treatment versus who might stand to benefit from riskier, more aggressive new drug trials.
Scientists discover that special immune cells stop metastatic cancer
Researchers have discovered a natural immune mechanism in mice that stops escaped cancer cells from developing into tumors elsewhere in the body.
Cancer biologists discover a new mechanism for an old drug
Doctors have long believed the cancer drug 5-fluorouracil works by damaging the building blocks of DNA, but researchers have now found that in certain cancers, it kills cells by interfering with RNA synthesis. The findings could help researchers design better drug combinations for colon and gastrointestinal cancers.
Protecting confidentiality in adolescent patient portals
Researchers found that the possibility of parental disclosure through online patient portals led older adolescents to hesitate in sharing complete health information with doctors, putting them at risk of missed diagnoses and treatments. The paper noted that confidentiality concerns were increased among females and those who are sexual and gender minorities.
New therapeutic target for cardiac arrhythmias emerges
Researchers identified a lipid that is involved in regulating cardiac ion channels, providing insights into possible mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias in heart failure and a potential pathway for future therapeutic development.
Researchers seek to improve advanced pain management using AI for drug discovery
An estimated one in five Americans live with chronic pain and current treatment options leave much to be desired. Scientists are now using artificial intelligence (AI) for drug discovery in advanced pain management. The team's deep-learning framework identified multiple gut microbiome-derived metabolites and FDA-approved drugs that can be repurposed to select non-addictive, non-opioid options to treat chronic pain.
Real-time data shows what happens when people lose their balance
The study concludes that among older adults, voice recorders are effective at capturing the circumstances and context in which they lost their balance and potentially fell, without relying on recall later.
Role of ophthalmic acid in motor function control
A research team has revealed that a molecule in the brain -- ophthalmic acid -- unexpectedly acts like a neurotransmitter similar to dopamine in regulating motor function, offering a new therapeutic target for Parkinson's and other movement diseases.
Drug improves effectiveness of radiation for lung cancer that has spread to the brain
The University of Cincinnati's Debanjan Bhattacharya is first author of new research published in Cancers that found the drug AM-101 improves the effectiveness and survival rate of radiation treatment in animal models of lung cancer that has spread to the brain.
Multiple myeloma: Cilta-cel found highly effective in real-world study
A new study shows strong alignment between real-world outcomes and those seen in clinical trials among a broad population of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In the first study to report real-world outcomes from ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy for multiple myeloma, patients experienced efficacy and safety results similar to those seen in clinical trials, according to new results.
Preventing organ transplant rejection
Breakthrough research uses nanoparticles to help the body accept transplanted organs without lifelong immunosuppressive drugs, reducing risks.
Are auditory magic tricks possible for a blind audience?
Magic tricks make the impossible seem possible. Magicians have long captivated audiences with visual tricks, such as pulling a bunny from a hat or sawing someone in half, but tricks that rely on sound are scarce. A new article explores why creating a magical experience using only sound may be challenging and underscores the importance of making magic accessible to people with blindness.
Research points to potential new treatment for aggressive prostate cancer subtype
Researchers describe the mechanisms of how alterations in the CDK12 gene drive prostate cancer development and report on a promising degrader that targets CDK12 and a related gene to destroy tumors.
Role of gamma-delta T cells in cancer immunology
A new study reveals critical insights into the role of gamma-delta T cells across 33 cancer types, shedding light on their potential as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. This comprehensive analysis represents a significant advancement in the understanding of these unique immune cells and their implications for patient outcomes in cancer therapy.
Hoarding disorder: 'Sensory CBT' treatment strategy shows promise
Rehearsing alternative outcomes of discarding through imagery rescripting shows promise as a treatment strategy for people who hoard, a study by psychology researchers has shown.
Toddlers get nearly half their calories from ultra-processed foods
Toddlers in the UK obtain nearly half (47%) of their calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and this rises to 59% by the age of seven, according to a new study. The most common UPFs consumed by the toddlers -- who were 21 months when their parents recorded their diets -- were flavored yogurts and wholegrain breakfast cereals, products typically seen as healthy. By the age of seven, the most common UPFs were sweet cereals, white bread and puddings.
In lab tests, dietary zinc inhibits AMR gene transmission
In lab experiments, bacteria transferred plasmids with AMR genes in the presence of zinc at reduced or nonexistent rates. Stopping the transfer without killing microbes may help reduce AMR without disrupting the gut microbiome.
Turning brain cells on using the power of light
Researchers have developed a noninvasive way of using bioluminescent optogenetics to activate parts of the brain.
How doxycycline for STI prevention affects the gut microbiome
Taking a dose of the oral antibiotic doxycycline after a high-risk sexual encounter has dramatically reduced the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in places where the strategy is being tried.