ScienceDaily: Health - October 17, 2024
Top health research news
Feeling sleepy and worried about your mental alertness?
Australian researchers have identified a new, brain-based measure of chronic sleepiness that could be diagnosed in just two minutes, predicting whether someone is safe to drive, operate machinery, or even alert enough to sit an exam.
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Fearful memories of others seen in mouse brain
Researchers have revealed that the CA1 and CA2 regions in the brain respectively encode the locations and individuals linked with a threatening experience. The results show that, beyond simply recognizing individuals, CA2 helps record more complex aspects of social memory: in this case, whether another individual is safe or risky.
Mpox vaccine is safe and generates a robust antibody response in adolescents, study finds
A clinical trial of an mpox vaccine in adolescents found it was safe and generated an antibody response equivalent to that seen in adults, according to a planned interim analysis of study data. Adolescents are among the population groups affected by mpox in the current Clade I mpox outbreak.
A new study has found that folate may weaken the link between blood-lead levels in pregnant women and autistic-like behaviors in their children.
High potency cannabis use leaves unique signature on DNA, study shows
A new study suggests that the use of high potency cannabis leaves a distinct mark on DNA, providing valuable insights into the biological impact of cannabis use.
Study explores how traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be linked to Alzheimer's disease
Researchers used mouse models and human post-mortem brain tissue to study the molecular underpinnings that may increase the risk of Alzheimer's after traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Researchers investigated the neural mechanisms underlying the behavioral transition from the sexually receptive estrus stage to the non-receptive phase, as part of the hormone-dependent behavioral changes during the estrous cycle in female mice.
Researchers have identified new drug targets for therapies that could benefit patients with different forms of retinitis pigmentosa and other inherited retinal diseases. Using advanced proteomics techniques, they unveiled shared critical pathways in retinitis pigmentosa disease models. The study represents significant progress in understanding how the proteome may change in different retinal dystrophies.
A commonly used strategy in the development of messenger RNA (mRNA) medicine is based on the destruction of disease-causing mRNA. Achieving the opposite and stabilizing health-promoting mRNA is still a great challenge. A research team has now overcome this challenge: the chemists developed the first active substance that inhibits the deadenylation of mRNA and thus prevents its degradation.
New study on microRNAs could lead to better fertility treatment
Researchers have mapped how small RNA molecules, such as the recently Nobel Prize-awarded microRNAs, control cell development in the human embryo during the first days after fertilization. The findings may eventually contribute to improved fertility treatment.
Invention quickly detects earliest sign of heart attack
With heart attacks, every second counts. A new blood test diagnoses them in minutes rather than hours and could be adapted as a tool for first responders and people at home.
Study may help boost performance and reduce side effects of mRNA vaccines
A new study has provided a detailed analysis of how mRNA vaccines circulate and break down in the human bloodstream. The research aimed to help improve the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines, including reducing the side effects that people commonly experience such as headaches, fever and fatigue.
Men and women process pain differently, study finds
According to new research, men and women rely on different biological systems for pain relief, which could help explain why our most powerful pain medications are often less effective in women.
Zebrafish as a model for studying rare genetic disease
Nager syndrome (NS) is an extremely rare disease that causes developmental problems and anomalies in facial bone structures and limbs. While the causative gene is known, its underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Researchers from Japan employed genetically engineered zebrafish and found that the mutation in the gene that causes NS, suppresses the Fgf8 levels. This, in turn, affects the expression pattern of a critical cell population called neural crest cells in facial development.
Bacterial vaccine shows promise as cancer immunotherapy
Researchers have engineered bacteria as personalized cancer vaccines that activate the immune system to specifically seek out and destroy cancer cells.
Boy or girl? Researchers identify genetic mutation that increases chance of having a daughter
Researchers have detected a human genetic variant that influences the sex ratio of children. Additionally, they found that many hidden genetic variants of sex ratio may exist in human populations.
Uncovering a way for pro-B cells to change trajectory
Researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Perelman School of Medicine have found that YY1 knockout pro-B cells can generate T lineage cells helping B cells produce antibodies.
Human skin map gives 'recipe' to build skin and could help prevent scarring
Prenatal human skin atlas and organoid will accelerate research into congenital diseases and lead to clinical applications for regenerative medicine.
A new study suggests that large-scale adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) could lead to significant population-level health benefits. The research team used computer simulations to show that aggressive electrification of the U.S. vehicle fleet, coupled with an ambitious rollout of renewable electricity generation, could result in health benefits worth between US$84 billion and 188 billion by 2050. Even scenarios with less aggressive grid decarbonization mostly predicted health benefits running into the tens of billions of dollars.
Climate change impacts internal migration worldwide
The influence of climate change on migration, both current and future, has garnered significant attention from the public and policymakers over the past decade. A new study has provided the first comprehensive analysis of how climate factors -- specifically drought and aridity -- affect internal migration.
New test improves diagnosis of allergies
Researchers have developed a test to simplify the diagnosis of allergies. Its effectiveness has now been confirmed in clinical samples from children and adolescents suffering from a peanut allergy. The results could fundamentally improve the clinical diagnosis of allergies in future.
Older adults appear less emotionally affected by heat
When the outside temperatures rise, people tend to lose their cool. That connection is well known, but a new study found that emotional responses to heat are highly individualized and only one factor moderated it -- age. Overall, researchers found that the actual temperature at which the majority of people felt uncomfortable during a hot summer depended on the individual. When they did feel discomfort, it often negatively affected their mood. The exception: older adults on average became more uncomfortable in high heat more quickly, but it did not affect their mood as much as it did younger adults.
Comprehensive efforts needed to develop health-promoting learning environments
Mental ill-health among students in higher education is a growing problem globally. Most efforts implemented to address ill-health involve individual treatment and adjustments to pedagogy. But more can and needs to be done at a structural or environmental level for higher education institutions to ensure learning and well-being among all students.
US air pollution monitoring network has gaps in coverage, say researchers
The lack of air-quality monitoring capabilities across the U.S. affects the health of millions of people and disproportionately impacts minority and low socioeconomic-status communities, say researchers. Motivated by a new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard for air pollution, the team employed a model for fine-scale air pollution mapping using real-world data, and it indicates there is an urgent need to address gaps in the agency's monitoring network.
Large-scale study of children with genetic disorders finds huge benefit of diagnosis
Genetic results from the Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) study have enabled thousands of children with severe developmental disorders to receive better treatment.
How do you remember how to ride a bike? Thank your cerebellum
Researchers have shown that, just like declarative memories, short-term and long-term memories for motor skills form in different regions of the brain, with the cerebellum being critical for the formation of long-term skill memories.
Scientists discover chemical probes for previously 'undruggable' cancer target
Hormone-driven cancers, like those of the breast and prostate, often rely on a tricky-to-target protein called Forkhead box protein 1 (FOXA1). FOXA1 mutations can enable these types of cancers to grow and proliferate. Today, FOXA1 is notoriously difficult to block with drugs -- but that may soon change. Scientists have identified a crucial binding site on FOXA1 that could pave the way for future cancer treatments. The team's findings also mapped out how tiny drug-like chemical compounds -- called small molecules -- interact with the protein.
Alzheimer's disease may damage the brain in two phases
Alzheimer's disease may damage the brain in two distinct phases, based on new research using sophisticated brain mapping tools. According to researchers who discovered this new view, the first, early phase happens slowly and silently -- before people experience memory problems -- harming just a few vulnerable cell types. In contrast, the second, late phase causes damage that is more widely destructive and coincides with the appearance of symptoms and the rapid accumulation of plaques, tangles, and other Alzheimer's hallmarks.
Immune signatures may predict adverse events from immunotherapy
Distinct immune 'signatures' in patients who develop adverse events while taking immunotherapy for cancer may help oncologists identify patients at risk and treat them early to prevent serious side effects, suggests a new study.
Survey finds 25% of adults suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder -- also known as ADHD -- is typically thought of as a childhood condition. But more adults are realizing that their struggles with attention, focus and restlessness could in fact be undiagnosed ADHD, thanks in large part to trending social media videos racking up millions of views. A new national survey of 1,000 American adults finds that 25% of adults now suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD. But what worries mental health experts is that only 13% of survey respondents have shared their suspicions with their doctor.
Protein involved in balancing DNA replication and restarting found
A protein that is involved in determining which enzymes cut or unwind DNA during the replication process has been identified.
Six proteins implicated in early-onset preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a life-threatening pregnancy complication marked by persistent high blood pressure that is even more serious when it occurs early in the first trimester. The exact cause of early-onset preeclampsia is unknown, and it is difficult to predict, prevent and diagnose. Now researchers report on six proteins that could be used as targets to diagnose and treat the condition.
Study finds use of naloxone by Good Samaritans is up, but not nearly enough
Use of a lifesaving drug to reverse opioid drug overdoses is growing, but not fast enough.
Smaller vial size for Alzheimer's drug could save Medicare hundreds of millions per year
Medicare could save up to 74% of the money lost from discarded Alzheimer's drug lecanemab by the simple introduction of a new vial size that would reduce the amount of unused medication that is thrown away. As it is, nearly 6% of the medication is discarded, costing Medicare $1,600 per patient per year.
Targeting 'undruggable' diseases: New levels of detail in targeted protein degradation
Researchers identify signs tied to more severe cases of RSV
Clinician-scientists analyzed samples from patients' airways and blood, finding distinct changes in children with severe cases of RSV, including an increase in the number of natural killer (NK) cells in their airways. The descriptive study, which focuses on understanding the underpinnings of severe disease, may help to lay groundwork for identifying new targets for future treatments.
New paradigm of drug discovery with world's first atomic editing?
Researchers have successfully develop single-atom editing technology that maximizes drug efficacy.
Defective sperm doubles the risk of preeclampsia
Researchers have linked specific frequent defects in sperm to risk of pregnancy complications and negative impacts on the health of the baby. The study shows that high proportion of father's spermatozoa possessing DNA strand breaks is associated with doubled risk of preeclampsia in women who have become pregnant by IVF. It also increases the risk of the baby being born prematurely.
Cord blood cells can build a better human immune system into mice
Researchers have developed a new method to recreate a robust and functional human immune system in mice using mononuclear cells from the cord blood. This new kind of mice, that count with most of the human immune cell types with lower host-versus-graft disease, are a better experimental platform to study the subtle interactions between the immune system, cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment, in healthy conditions and in disease.
Protein blocking bone development could hold clues for future osteoporosis treatment
Scientists have identified a protein that blocks the activity of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) by stopping them from maturing during the journey to sites of bone formation, a new study has found.
Tiny magnetic discs offer remote brain stimulation without transgenes
Novel magnetic nanodiscs could provide a much less invasive way of stimulating parts of the brain, paving the way for stimulation therapies without implants or genetic modification, researchers report.
How do we recognize other people's emotions?
For recognizing people's emotions, facial expressions do play an important role. However, they are not the only crucial factor.
Asking a person to talk about their parents in therapy can distort memories of childhood emotions
New research suggests a person's feelings towards a parent can be significantly changed when they are asked to evaluate them during talking therapy, even when the question isn't suggestive.
Scientists bring socioeconomic status at the forefront of epidemic modelling
Researchers have developed an innovative approach to epidemic modeling that could transform how scientists and policymakers predict the spread of infectious diseases. The study introduces a new framework that incorporates socioeconomic status (SES) factors -- such as income, education, and ethnicity -- into epidemic models. The study underscores an urgent need for more comprehensive epidemic modeling frameworks as societies continue to grapple with the lingering impacts of COVID-19 and prepare for future pandemics. By expanding beyond the conventional focus on age and context, this new approach opens the door to a more detailed understanding of disease transmission and offers a powerful tool for addressing health inequities.
A new target for anxiety disorders
By generating mice with genetic mutations that disrupt the brain's TrkC-PTP protein complex, researchers find a key way that brain cells communicate.
Genomic study identifies human, animal hair in 'man-eater' lions' teeth
Scientists analyzed hairs extracted from the broken teeth of two 19th century 'man-eater' lions. Their analysis revealed DNA from giraffe, human, oryx, waterbuck, wildebeest and zebra as prey, along with hairs that originated from the lions.
A potential non-invasive stool test and novel therapy for endometriosis
Promising findings could lead to the development of a non-invasive stool test and a new therapy for endometriosis, a painful condition that affects nearly 200 million women worldwide.
How innate immunity envelops bacteria
Scientists discover how innate immunity envelops bacteria. The protein GBP1 is a vital component of our body's natural defense against pathogens. This substance fights against bacteria and parasites by enveloping them in a protein coat, but how the substance manages to do this has remained unknown until now. Researchers have now unraveled how this protein operates.
HDL quality, not quantity, contribute to the first sign of Alzheimer's disease in women
Higher levels of HDL-C -- known as the 'good cholesterol' -- have been shown to correlate with heightened risk for Alzheimer's disease. A new study might explain why.
Researchers identify neurodevelopmental symptoms that indicate genetic disorders
Researchers have found that motor delay and low muscle tone were common signs of an underlying genetic diagnosis in children with neurodevelopment disorders.
Evidence builds for near infrared light treatment in traumatic brain injury
New research indicates that a novel method could result in a new treatment option in an area of medicine that currently has few, if any, treatment options.
Disrupting Asxl1 gene prevents T-cell exhaustion, improving immunotherapy
Analyzing the genetics of patients that responded well to checkpoint blockade revealed mutations in the gene Asxl1 in immune T cells. Disrupting the Asxl1 gene in T cells enhanced response to immune checkpoint blockade and improved long-term tumor control in model systems.
How your skin tone could affect your meds
Skin pigmentation may act as a 'sponge' for some medications, potentially influencing the speed with which active drugs reach their intended targets, a pair of scientists report.
Research advances infusion designed to clean arteries
Inflammation of the arteries is a primary precursor and driver of cardiovascular disease -- the No. 1 killer of people in the United States. This inflammation is associated with the buildup of dangerous plaque inside the arteries. Advanced treatments are needed to target this inflammation in patients. Researchers have tested a new nanoparticle nanotherapy infusion that precisely targets inflammation and activates the immune system to help clear out arterial plaque.
A look into 'mirror molecules' may lead to new medicines
Chemists have developed a new chemical reaction that will allow researchers to synthesize selectively the left-handed or right-handed versions of 'mirror molecules' found in nature and assess them for potential use against cancer, infection, depression, inflammation and a host of other conditions.
Magnetically regulated gene therapy tech offers precise brain-circuit control
A new technology enables the control of specific brain circuits non-invasively with magnetic fields, according to a preclinical study. The technology holds promise as a powerful tool for studying the brain and as the basis for future neurological and psychiatric treatments for conditions as diverse as Parkinson's disease, depression, obesity and complex pain.
Spike in emergency visits for life threatening pregnancy complication, study suggests
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, the second leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide, may be sending a significantly higher number of pregnant people to the emergency department.
The cause of the genome's most common mutation has been reassigned
A new study has punctured a longstanding assumption about the source of the most common type of DNA mutation seen in the genome--one that contributes to many genetic diseases, including cancer.
Students who feel more university connection may be more likely to binge drink, study finds
Mentally healthy college students who felt connected to their university were more likely to binge drink than those who did not feel connected to their university, according to a new study.
Bilingualism makes the brain more efficient, especially when learned at a young age
A new study from The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) of McGill university, the University of Ottawa and the University of Zaragoza in Spain elaborates on bilingualism's role in cognition, showing increased efficiency of communication between brain regions.