ScienceDaily: Health - October 31, 2024
Top health research news
The roots of fear: Understanding the amygdala
Treating anxiety, depression and other disorders may depend on the amygdala, a part of the brain that controls strong emotional reactions, especially fear. But a deep understanding of this structure has been lacking. Now scientists have identified new clusters of cells with differing patterns of gene expression in the amygdala of humans and non-human primates. The work could lead to more targeted treatments for disorders such as anxiety that affect tens of millions of people.
Image: Anshuman Rath/Shutterstock.com
Nanoplastics can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics
An international research team has investigated how nanoplastic particles deposited in the body affect the effectiveness of antibiotics. The study showed that the plastic particles not only impair the effect of the drugs, but could also promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers identify 'sweet spot' for safe surgery after heart attack
New research suggests older adults wait 3-6 months after a heart attack before elective noncardiac surgery to reduce the risk of serious complications like stroke or another heart attack.
Complexity of tumors revealed in 3D
A new analysis has revealed detailed 3D maps of the internal structures of multiple tumor types. These cancer atlases reveal how different tumor cells -- and the cells of a tumor's surrounding environment -- are organized, in 3D, and how that organization changes when a tumor spreads to other organs. The detailed findings offer scientists valuable blueprints of tumors that could lead to new approaches to therapy and spark a new era in the field of cancer biology, according to the researchers.
Healthy brains suppress inappropriate immune responses
Researchers have found a process by which the brain guards against attack by the immune system. In mice with multiple sclerosis, such 'guardian' proteins that train the immune system were drastically depleted, and replenishing them improved symptoms, according to a new study.
'Black box' of stem cell transplants opened in blood study
New research into the long-term dynamics of transplanted stem cells in a patient's body explains how age affects stem cell survival and immune diversity, offering insights that could make transplants safer and more successful.
Discovery illuminates how sleeping sickness parasite outsmarts immune response
A new study sheds light on how the blood-borne parasite that causes African sleeping sickness in humans and related diseases in cattle and other animals establishes long-term infections in hosts. Using a mouse model, the researchers showed that Trypanosoma brucei essentially plays a game of hide-and-seek by setting up shop in its hosts' tissues, allowing it to constantly change its protective surface coat and evade antibodies.
Similarities in brain development between marmosets and humans
In common marmosets, the brain regions that process social interactions develop very slowly, extending until early adulthood, like in humans. During this time, all group members are involved in raising the infants, which contributes to the species' strong socio-cognitive skills.
Britain's brass bands older than we thought and invented by soldiers from the Napoleonic Wars
Military musicians returning from the Napoleonic wars established Britain's first brass bands earlier than previously thought, new research reveals. The study undermines the idea that brass bands were a civilian and exclusively northern creation.
Discoveries that impact lifespan and healthspan in fruit flies are usually tested in mice before being considered potentially relevant in humans, a process that is expensive and time intensive. A pioneering approach leapfrogs over that standard methodology and identifies a metabolite that may hold promise as a target for aging.
Smell loss linked to 100-plus diseases
Researchers reveal a link between olfactory loss and inflammation in 139 medical conditions. The researchers say loss of smell is an early sign of numerous neurological and bodily diseases.
Implantable microparticles can deliver two cancer therapies at once
Researchers designed tiny particles that can be implanted at a cancer tumor site, where they deliver two types of therapy: heat and chemotherapy.
Researchers develop approach to accurately predict pneumonia outcomes
Doctors struggle to accurately predict pneumonia patients' prognoses and determine the most effective treatments. Now, by applying a sophisticated machine-learning approach to electronic health records (EHRs) of patients with pneumonia, researchers uncovered five distinct clinical states in pneumonia.
Researchers aim to get leg up on bone repair with 3D-printed femur
Mechanical engineers designed a 3D-printed femur that could help doctors prepare for surgeries to repair bones and develop treatments for bone tumors. The study, which focused on the middle section of the bone, establishes 3D-printing parameters for a femur for use in biomechanical testing. Researchers said more studies will be needed before the technology could be available for widespread use.
A study reveals patients and providers have more positive overall care experiences when the entire healthcare team is a part of bedside interdisciplinary rounds (BIDR).
Ultrasound can be used as search and rescue tool for the brain
Scientists highlighted the potential for ultrasound to treat some of the more complex health conditions affecting the human brain.
Using computational tools, researchers have developed a method to assess which patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer could benefit from immunotherapy.
The couples who cope together, stay together
A new study has lifted the lid on how couples living with rheumatoid arthritis cope with the debilitating disease finding that those who cope with problems together had less psychological distress and better relationships.
Face-conforming LED mask showing 340% improved efficacy in deep skin elasticity
A research team has developed a deep skin-stimulating LED mask which has been verified in clinical trials to improve dermis elasticity by 340%.
New imaging analysis technique revolutionizes diagnostics of head and neck cancers
A study developed a new technique to accurately analyse the properties of cancer cells and the surrounding tissue at the level of individual cells. This innovation enables a more comprehensive assessment of prognoses and treatment responses in the head and neck cancers, and paves the way for more accurate diagnostics.
Subtle eye movements optimize vision
Our ability to see starts with the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells in our eyes. A specific region of the retina, termed fovea, is responsible for sharp vision. Here, the color-sensitive cone photoreceptors allow us to detect even the smallest details. The density of these cells varies from person to person. Additionally, when we fixate on an object, our eyes make subtle, continuous movements, which also differ between individuals. Researchers have now investigated how sharp vision is linked to these tiny eye movements and the mosaic of cones. Using high-resolution imaging and micro-psychophysics, they demonstrated that eye movements are finely tuned to provide optimal sampling by the cones.
More than half of European heat-related deaths in summer 2022 attributed to anthropogenic warming
A new study has now found that more than half -- 56% -- of the heat-related deaths in the summer of 2022 were related to human-induced climate change. According to the research, 38,154 of the 68,593 heat-related deaths in the summer of 2022 would likely not have occurred without anthropogenic warming.
Scientist on personal mission to improve global water safety makes groundbreaking discovery
A study shedding new light on how arsenic can be made less dangerous to humans has the potential to dramatically improve water and food safety, especially in the Global South.
Strategy to reduce the amount of propofol waste in the operating room
Propofol is used in the operating room to induce anesthesia. To maintain anesthesia, a continuous infusion of the agent via a separate syringe pump is the standard procedure for total intravenous anesthesia. However, this is not entirely sustainable: propofol produces about 45 percent of the drug waste in the operating room, and a quarter of the agent remains unused. Researchers have now shown that an alternative method reduces the amount of waste.
Using AI to measure prostate cancer lesions could aid diagnosis and treatment
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, and almost 300,000 individuals are diagnosed with it each year in the U.S. To develop a consistent method of estimating prostate cancer size, which can help clinicians more accurately make informed treatment decisions, researchers trained and validated an AI model based on MRI scans from more than 700 prostate cancer patients. The model was able to identify and demarcate the edges of 85% of the most radiologically aggressive prostate lesions. Tumors with a larger volume, as estimated by the AI model, were associated with a higher risk of treatment failure and metastasis, independent of other factors that are normally used to estimate this risk.
Ancient gene influences immunity of First Nations Peoples of Oceania
An ancient gene mutation among First Nations inhabitants of Oceania may make them more susceptible to infectious diseases like influenza, according to a new study.
Scientists develop tool to predict sepsis in apparently healthy newborns
A genetic signature in newborns can predict neonatal sepsis before symptoms even start to show, according to a new study. The study, led by University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University researchers in collaboration with the Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit The Gambia, has the potential to help healthcare workers diagnose babies earlier, including in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where neonatal sepsis is of particular concern.
Researchers have studied how well doctors used GPT-4 -- an artificial intelligence (AI) large language model system -- for diagnosing patients.
Age assurance online needs to be child-rights respecting, new study says
A range of different age checks are needed to protect children -- but also to ensure they can take advantages of positive opportunities online -- a new study says.
RSV vaccines effective, but more people need to get them
Doctors detail what we learned after the first season following the approval of RSV vaccines. The vaccine effectively prevented severe illness in older, but only 24 percent of eligible US adults received the vaccine, compared to 50 percent for flu shots. Better public awareness and improved vaccine access are needed to increase uptake.
Scientists can reverse brain aging in fruit flies by preventing buildup of a common protein
Buildup of a protein called filamentous actin, or F-actin, in the brain inhibits the removal of cellular wastes, including DNA, lipids, proteins and organelles. The resulting accumulation of waste diminishes neuronal functions and contributes to cognitive decline. By tweaking a few very specific genes in the neurons of aging fruit flies, the researchers prevented F-actin buildup, maintained cellular recycling and extended the healthy lifespan of fruit flies by approximately 30%.
Study refines understanding of kidney transplant rejection
Medical scientists involved in a large international study have identified new signs of kidney transplant rejection that could lead to more precise diagnosis and treatment for transplant recipients. The research examined more than 16,000 kidney transplant biopsies and found that certain results previously thought to be of questionable significance actually indicate an increased risk of transplant failure.
Cellular couriers: Body's 'delivery trucks' could lead to new cancer blood test
Researchers have found a potential new diagnostic marker that could be used to better detect the level of tissue damage in our bodies.
Enhancing the accuracy of wearables that measure blood glucose levels
Wearable electronic devices are potential tools to monitor blood glucose levels (BGLs) among people with diabetes, but their limited size and power lead to noticeable measurement errors. In a recent study, researchers developed a screening technique that can filter out low-quality data in a preprocessing step, enhancing the accuracy of BGL estimations. Their findings could pave the way to convenient glucose monitoring using consumer electronics, eliminating the need for finger pricks.
Developing kidneys from scratch
Researches made major strides toward the creation of artificial kidney tissue by demonstrating an undiscovered mechanism behind kidney development and a novel technique for culturing kidney cells, both of which could ultimately reduce the need for both dialysis and transplantation.
Alzheimer's research: Superspreader fibrils caught in the act
In dementia diseases such as Alzheimer's, incorrectly folded proteins accumulate in the brain. Researchers have now resolved a particularly active species of protein fibrils with unprecedented precision. The formation of potentially toxic molecules on the surface of protein fibrils was studied from early to late stages spanning over a period of hours.
Understanding how mutations affect diseases
The human genetic code is fully mapped out, providing scientists with a blueprint of the DNA to identify genomic regions and their variations responsible for diseases. Traditional statistical tools effectively pinpoint these genetic 'needles in the haystack,' yet they face challenges in understanding how many genes contribute to diseases, as seen in diabetes or schizophrenia.
Heart failure mortality declining in Sweden
A new study shows that heart failure mortality has decreased in Sweden over the last 20 years.
Keeping fewer friends protects aging monkeys from diseases
Becoming less sociable protects older monkeys from getting ill, new research shows.
Children's BMI can affect their future lung function
An abnormal BMI in children -- be it high or low -- can now be associated with impaired lung function, but if their BMI is normalized before they reach adulthood, the impairment can be offset, researchers report.
Magnetic field applied to both sides of brain shows rapid improvement for depression
A type of therapy that involves applying a magnetic field to both sides of the brain has been shown to be effective at rapidly treating depression in patients for whom standard treatments have been ineffective. The treatment -- known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) -- involves placing an electromagnetic coil against the scalp to relay a high-frequency magnetic field to the brain.
Researchers have identified a key biochemical mechanism relevant to the development of Huntington's Disease. This discovery opens up the possibility of studying the disease before its clinical onset and eventually stopping its progression.
Childhood attention issues and genetic factors may predict psychosis risk
Researchers have found that a person's risk of developing psychotic-like experiences may be influenced by both childhood attention problems and their genetic makeup.
Breaks in resistance training do not impair long-term development in strength and muscle size
A study investigated how a 10-week break from resistance training affected maximum strength and muscle size. The study found that a 10-week break halfway through 20 total weeks of strength training had little effect on development. During the break, maximal strength was better preserved than muscle size.
Thin skin significantly blunts injury from puncture
Thin, stretchy skin -- like that of a pig or human -- significantly lessens the underlying damage that occurs when it's punctured. Pig skin even outperforms synthetic materials that are designed to mimic skin, a new study finds. Its special qualities, in particular its ability to dissipate the energy of a puncturing object, greatly reduce the damage to deeper tissues, researchers report.
Dramatic drop in marijuana use among U.S. youth over a decade (2011 to 2021)
Using a national survey of 88,183 adolescents in grades nine to 12, findings show marijuana use declined from 23.1% in 2011 to 15.8% in 2021, with first-time use before age 13 dropping from 8.1% to 4.9%. In 2021, use was highest among 12th graders (22.4%) and 11th graders (18.7%). Notably, in 2021, girls (17.8%) surpassed boys (13.6%) in reported use, reversing previous trends. While Asian, Hispanic, and white adolescents saw significant declines, Black adolescents reported a higher usage rate of 20.5% in 2021, revealing ongoing racial disparities in marijuana use.
New research shows that stimulation of the lumbosacral vertebrae region significantly elevated low blood pressure, unlike cervical or upper thoracic stimulation.
As cannabis is legalized and is more accessible in various forms across the country, there is increasing concern among health care providers about potential impact on children. Researchers have new findings to add to the existing evidence that cannabis exposure before birth can negatively impact children.
Genomic variants that increase risk of kidney disease are found in nearly one-third of West Africans
A study has revealed a significant genetic risk factor for kidney disease in people from Ghana and Nigeria. Their study demonstrated that having just one risk variant in a gene known as APOL1 can significantly increase the risk of developing kidney disease. APOL1 is important for the immune system and variants of the gene are linked to increased risk of chronic kidney disease. The study is published in the New England Journal of Medicine and was conducted by researchers from the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Kidney Disease Research Network.
A strain of H5N1 avian influenza virus found in a Texas dairy worker who was infected this spring was able to spread among ferrets through the air, although inefficiently, and killed 100% of infected animals in studies researchers performed with the strain earlier this year.
It acts as a sort of molecular fumigator to battle phages and plasmids.
Asthma and fine particulate matter
Drawing on evidence involving about 25 million population worldwide, an international research team demonstrates that long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 significantly increases the risk of asthma, affecting both children and adults. The researchers find that approximately 30 percent of new asthma cases worldwide were linked to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure, highlighting the dramatic threat air pollution poses to public health.
Psychologists develop tool to assess narcissism in job candidates
Researchers developed a tool for job interviews to assess narcissistic grandiosity among potential job candidates.
Scientific discovery scratching beneath the surface of itchiness
A collaborative study has revealed how a specific species of mammal-targeting worms found a way around itch, allowing researchers to better understand the mammalian urge to scratch.
Studying Wikipedia browsing habits to learn how people learn
A collaborative team of researchers led by Dale Zhou, who did his Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, and Dani Bassett in Penn's School of Engineering and Applied Science looked at how nearly half a million people around the world use Wikipedia's knowledge networks. They found stark differences in browsing habits between countries offering insights into cultural differences and potential drivers of curiosity and learning.
Invisible anatomy in the fruit fly uterus
Drosophila is one of the most thoroughly studied lab animals -- with the exception of the female reproductive tract. Now a team of biologists has taken the first deep look at the Drosophila uterus and found some surprises, which could have implications not just for understanding insect reproduction and potentially, pest control, but also for understanding fertility in humans.
Skeletal muscle health amid growing use of weight loss medications
A recent article highlights the critical importance of skeletal muscle mass in the context of medically induced weight loss, particularly with the widespread use of GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications, celebrated for their effectiveness in treating obesity, have raised concerns regarding the potential for substantial muscle loss as part of the weight loss process.
Cancer risk linked to p53 in ulcerative colitis
Researchers have elucidated the role of the p53 gene in ulcerative colitis. The study suggests a potential new drug target to stop disease progression to cancer.
Novel role of BRCA1 in tumor suppression
Research shows that the breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) not only pushes accurate DNA repair to guard against cancer but promotes subsequent activity in tumor suppression.
Researchers complete the largest compilation of cancer prevalence across vertebrates
For all its pervasiveness and the efforts to study it, cancer is still somewhat of a mystery. Why do some animals get it at a higher rate than others? This is the question at the heart of Peto's paradox, the observation that large animals, by virtue of their number of cells, are statistically more likely than smaller animals to develop and accumulate genetic mutations that lead to cancer, yet they don't. In fact, some large animals, including whales and elephants, get much less cancer than expected for an animal of its body size and number of cells.