ScienceDaily: Health - September 19, 2024
Top health research news
Clinical trial successfully repurposes cancer drug for hereditary bleeding disorder
A drug approved for treating the blood cancer multiple myeloma may offer a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of severe nosebleeds from a rare but devastating bleeding disorder. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), the world's second-most-common inherited bleeding disorder, affects approximately 1-in-5,000 people and can have life-threatening complications, but there are currently no U.S. FDA-approved drugs to treat HHT.
Operating room design linked to length of surgery
A new study has directly linked operating room design to the length of surgeries, with implications both for patient health and hospitals' bottom lines.
Can the MIND diet lower the risk of memory problems later in life?
People whose diet more closely resembles the MIND diet may have a lower risk of cognitive impairment, according to a new study. Results were similar for Black and white participants. These results do not prove that the MIND diet prevents cognitive impairment, they only show an association.
Some diabetes drugs tied to lower risk of dementia, Parkinson's disease
A class of drugs for diabetes may be associated with a lower risk of dementia and Parkinson's disease, according to a new study.
Higher levels of leptin indicate brain protection against late-life dementia
A study more closely links obesity to dementia, finding that leptin, a hormone that helps maintain normal body weight, is associated with better signal-transmitting brain white matter in middle-aged adults.
Versatile knee exo for safer lifting
A set of knee exoskeletons, built with commercially available knee braces and drone motors, has been shown to help counteract fatigue in lifting and carrying tasks. They helped users maintain better lifting posture even when tired, a key factor in defending against on-the-job injuries, the researchers say.
Breast and ovarian cancer newly linked to thousands of gene variants
New research identifies specific genetic changes that can increase a person's risk of breast and ovarian cancers, to help guide clinical decision-making.
Homemade 'play-putty' can read the body's electric signals
Metal exposure can increase cardiovascular disease risk
Metal exposure from environmental pollution is associated with increased calcium buildup in the coronary arteries at a level comparable to traditional risk factors, according to a new study. The findings support that metals in the body are associated with the progression of plaque buildup in the arteries and potentially provide a new strategy for managing and preventing atherosclerosis.
Like humans, artificial minds can 'learn by thinking'
Image: Antonio Marca/Shutterstock.com
Discarding the placenta after birth leads to loss of valuable information, pathologists say
Physician-scientists argue that with most placentas discarded after birth, placental pathology is underutilized clinically, should be a routine part of obstetric and neonatal care, and also deserves more research attention.
Researchers use machine learning to improve cardiovascular risk assessment
Researchers used advanced machine learning to increase the accuracy of a national cardiovascular risk calculator while preserving its interpretability and original risk associations.
Breakthrough in fertility treatment: Prostaglandin receptors found to promote embryo implantation
A team fhas uncovered a new mechanism that could revolutionize infertility care by promoting embryo implantation. The discovery focuses on prostaglandin (PG) receptors in the uterus that enhance the critical process of decidualization, which is necessary for a successful pregnancy. This finding opens the door to developing new fertility treatments that target these receptors.
What numbers do you see? A new bistable perceptual phenomenon on symbolic numbers
This research described a new perceptual phenomenon of bistability induced by partial occlusion of digital numerals. Results of experiments using visual adaptation indicate that this perceptual bistability mainly originates from mid-level visual processing stages which take part in processing global complex shapes and number forms.
Silencing in action: How cells 'repress' genomic remnants of ancient viruses
It is crucial for organisms to be able to control which genes are expressed in which cells and when. Naturally occurring chemical modifications of DNA-binding histone proteins are believed to play an important role in this process; however, it had been unclear whether they play a causal role in instructing gene expression. Researchers have experimentally shown that certain histone sites act as critical control sites that help prevent the spurious activation of parts of the genome, including sequences derived from ancient remnants of viruses.
Creating full-taste, reduced alcohol wine and spirits: New trial opens realm of possibilities
A new study has successfully used porous liquids to achieve liquid-liquid separation for the first time, creating exciting potential for advancing both environmental sustainability and public health.
Two new papers by a team of researchers demonstrate that evaluating microRNAs in blood can be used not only to diagnose mild cognitive impairment (MCI) but also, critically, to predict the conversion from MCI to dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, the researchers uncovered microRNA candidate molecular biomarkers that associate with current Amyloid, Tau, and Neurodegeneration (A/T/N) Alzheimer's biomarkers.
Nanotechnology: DNA origami with cargo function
Chemists present two studies that open up new possibilities for biotechnological applications.
Scientists find new epigenetic switch
Researchers have discovered that a DNA modification called 5-formylcytosine (5fC) functions as an activating epigenetic switch that kick-starts genes in early embryonic development. This finding proves for the first time that vertebrates have more than one type of epigenetic DNA mark and sheds new light on how genes are regulated in the earliest stages of development.
Triplet regimen yields promising response in advanced-phase chronic myeloid leukemia
According to new research, 80% of patients with previously untreated or relapsed/refractory advanced-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) -- including both accelerated or myeloid blast phases of the disease -- or Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) achieved a bone marrow remission when treated with a novel combination of decitabine, venetoclax and ponatinib.
Ultra-low-dose ketamine can curb opioid withdrawal
A pilot study showed that a small amount of ketamine can reduce or eliminate the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting fentanyl.
Fruit flies' visual navigation tactics differ by environment
Fruit flies use vision to head toward interesting things, but also to stay steady during flight. To accomplish this, the eyes need to fixate on the visual background while noticing objects that might indicate food or danger. Using a device that lets flies interact with a virtual environment, biologists have discovered that Mojave Desert fruit flies fixate on an object for balance and stability while also orienting toward it as an interesting resource, while common urban flies fixate on the background but move toward the object using rapid glances. Fruit flies are often used in experiments probing visual perception and processing. The finding that not all species of fruit fly navigate their environment the same way expands the possibilities for what scientists can learn.
Shrinking the pint can reduce beer sales by almost 10%
Reducing the serving size for beer, lager and cider reduces the volume of those drinks consumed in pubs, bars and restaurants, and could be a useful alcohol control measure, according to a new study. Researchers found that over a short intervention period, venues that removed the pint and offered two third pints instead, sold 10% less beer by volume compared with when pints were available.
Unhealthy behaviors contribute to more coronary artery disease deaths in the poor
Lower socioeconomic status is associated with higher rates of death from coronary artery disease compared to higher socioeconomic status, and more than half of the disparities can be explained by four unhealthy behaviors, according to a new study.
Two common surgeries equally effective for treating blinding condition of the eyelid
Trachomatous trichiasis, a potentially blinding condition where inward-turned eyelashes scratch the front of the eye, can successfully be treated by either of the two most common types of eyelid surgery, according to findings from a large comparison trial.
Genetic risk-factor overlap between Alzheimer's disease, and all-cause and vascular dementias
Medical researchers conducted the largest-ever genome-wide association study of all-cause dementia, finding substantial genetic overlap with vascular dementia.
Cancer cells may be using lipids to hide from the immune system
New study demonstrates that one type of lipid is so critical for immune evasion that certain cancers cannot proliferate without them. Modulating intake of dietary lipids could open up an avenue for treatment.
Paving the way for antivirals against Ebola virus and its deadly relatives
Scientists share detailed, complete images of a viral structure called the Ebola virus nucleocapsid. This breakthrough may accelerate the development of antivirals that target this viral structure to combat several filoviruses at once.
Improved epidemic monitoring via sewage
Analyzing wastewater has the potential to alert authorities about thousands of health threats at once, from antimicrobial resistance to cholera, according to new research.
One in eight is genetically protected against jaundice
One in eight newborn babies has a gene variant that almost completely protects against jaundice. The research provides the opportunity to develop a treatment that can prevent severe cases of jaundice.
Recent study reveals reduced maths performance of adults with Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), can have a bigger impact on adult mathematical performance than previously thought, according to new research.
Cutting out sugar and starch is as effective for IBS as current recommendations
Symptoms for patients with the gastrointestinal disease IBS improved as much by eating less sugar and starch as for those who followed FODMAP -- the diet currently recommended to patients. The results also show that weight loss is greater and sugar cravings are reduced among those who follow the starch and sucrose-reduced diet.
Identifying body-scan postures suitable for people with hyperactivity tendency
Mindfulness practices have been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, many people with ADHD may find static meditation techniques challenging. In a recent study, researchers assessed individualized responses of people to sitting in various postures during body-scan meditation. The findings suggest that a slumped posture may reduce the ease of practice, while supine and upright positions may improve the ease of meditation for people with high hyperactivity/impulsivity tendency.
Reducing smartphone use increases work satisfaction
On average, we spend three and a quarter hours a day looking at our phones. Cutting back this time by one hour a day is not only good for our mental health, but also helps us to feel happier and more motivated at work, new research suggests.
Researchers identify potential new strategy to slow the development of liver fibrosis
A study reveals advances in the understanding and treatment of liver fibrosis, a serious complication in the context of metabolic fatty liver disease, also known as MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease). This study concludes that activation of the PPAR / -AMPK pathway is an effective strategy to slow the development of liver fibrosis.
Risk of clots, stroke from incorrect blood thinner dosing reduced using online dashboard
Doctors and pharmacists treating people with blood thinners can reduce the rate of inappropriate dosing -- as well as blood clots and strokes that can result from it -- using an electronic patient management system, a study suggests. Direct oral anticoagulants can be incorrectly prescribed up to 20% of the time.
Brain divides meal into different phases
The process of food intake appears to be organized at the cellular level like a relay race: during eating, the baton is passed between different teams of neurons until we have consumed the appropriate amount of energy. Through this complex mechanism, the brain likely ensures that we neither eat too little nor too much. Malfunctions of this process may lead to eating disorders such as anorexia or binge eating.
People aren't volunteering as much these days: What gives?
Volunteering used to be a mainstay of U.S. culture. But in recent years, giving back to their community hasn't played as big a role in many Americans' lives. New research suggests the economy may be to blame.
Blackcurrant supplementing mitigates postmenopausal bone loss, study finds
With aging comes bone density loss, especially in post-menopausal women. A new study finds that supplementing with blackcurrant can ameliorate a host of conditions, including postmenopausal bone loss and osteoporosis.
Consuming moderate amounts of coffee and caffeine regularly may offer a protective effect against developing multiple cardiometabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke, according to new research.
Team discovers naturally occurring DNA-protein hybrids
Thanks to a serendipitous discovery and a lot of painstaking work, scientists can now build biohybrid molecules that combine the homing powers of DNA with the broad functional repertoire of proteins -- without having to synthesize them one by one, researchers report. Using a naturally occurring process, laboratories can harness the existing molecule-building capacities of bacteria to generate vast libraries of potentially therapeutic DNA-protein hybrid molecules.
Ten-year study shows tomosynthesis improves breast cancer detection
According to a new 10-year study, screening for breast cancer with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) increases cancer detection rates and significantly reduces the rate of advanced cancers compared to conventional 2D digital mammography.
Reducing the cultural bias of AI with one sentence
Cultural values and traditions differ across the globe, but large language models (LLMs), used in text-generating programs such as ChatGPT, have a tendency to reflect values from English-speaking and Protestant European countries. A research team believes there is an easy way to solve that problem.
Sport-related stress may affect whether college athletes eat enough calories
Sport-related stress may contribute to some NCAA Division One swimmers and runners failing to consume enough calories to fuel their bodies.
Getting to the root of the problem: Intensive diabetes treatment reduces gum disease inflammation
A recent study reveals that intensive diabetes treatment can improve periodontal disease inflammation. Researchers found that two weeks of intensive diabetes treatment under hospitalization for patients with type 2 diabetes significantly improved not only blood sugar control but also PISA, an indicator of gum disease inflammation. Furthermore, the improvement in PISA was related to factors such as insulin secretion capacity and the severity of diabetes complications and comorbidities before diabetes treatment. These findings suggest that early intervention in diabetes is crucial for improving gum disease in diabetic patients.
New treatment extends ovarian function in older mice
Scientists have discovered a novel way to lengthen the 'healthspan' of a women's ovaries -- improving maintenance of the ovaries and preventing key age-related changes in ovarian function. 'Healthspan' refers to the length of time a person remains healthy and free from serious illness or chronic diseases.
Lower neighborhood opportunity may increase risk for preterm birth
A new study has found that more than half of Black and Hispanic infants were born into very low-opportunity neighborhoods, and that babies born into these neighborhoods had a 16-percent greater risk of being born preterm. The study sheds new light on the health consequences of structural racism and historically discriminatory practices -- such as redlining and disproportionate exposures to pollutants -- that continue to shape modern-day neighborhood conditions and circumstances.
Hardship early in life can affect health and longevity -- even for marmots
The cumulative adversity index for people quantifies numerous measures of hardship, such as poverty and stress to understand health and longevity over the individual's lifespan. A similar tool could help scientists who study and want to conserve animal populations by identifying the most influential stressors to mitigate. Biologists have created the first cumulative adversity index for yellow-bellied marmots. They found that as in humans, adversity early on had lifelong consequences and reduced their life expectancy.
Chances of successful pregnancy are the same with embryo transfer on day three or five
In IVF treatment, embryos are traditionally transferred in the uterus three days after fertilization. Due to improvements in laboratory techniques, this is now also possible after five days. It was assumed that this increases the chance of a successful pregnancy. A new study shows that the day of transfer does not influence the success rate of the IVF trajectory.
Brain vasculature changes important for predicting cognitive impairment
Researchers published a study showing that several measurements of the brain, including blood flow and the brain's ability to compensate for the lack of it, are better predictors of mild cognitive impairment than risk factors like hypertension and high cholesterol.
Researchers test ChatGPT, other AI models against real-world students
An experiment tested six generative large language models against students in an online introductory biomedical and health informatics course. The models scored higher than as many as three quarters of the real-world students in the class.
Scientists mix sky's splendid hues to reset circadian clocks
Those mesmerizing blue and orange hues in the sky at the start and end of a sunny day might have an essential role in setting humans' internal clocks. A novel LED light that emits alternating wavelengths of orange and blue outpaced two other light devices in advancing melatonin levels in a small group of study participants. The finding appears to establish a new benchmark in humans' ability to influence their circadian rhythms, and reflects an effective new approach to counteract seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Improving eye tracking to assess brain disorders
Using piezoelectricity, an engineering team developed wearable sensors to examine eye movement to assess brain disorders or damage to the brain.
How the brain changes during pregnancy
Researchers follow the dramatic changes that occur in the brain throughout the course of pregnancy.
Contrary to common perceptions and years of research that autistic people can't describe their emotions or often have muted emotional responses, a new study concludes that many autistic adults are in fact acutely aware of their feelings and can label them in vivid, often colorful detail.
Long-term metastatic melanoma survival dramatically improves on immunotherapy, study finds
Long-term data from a landmark international trial show about half of patients with metastatic melanoma treated with a combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors survive cancer-free for 10 years or more, according to a new report.
Replacing ultra-processed foods in diet reduces type 2 diabetes risk
People who eat more ultra-processed foods (UPF) are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but this risk can be lowered by consuming less processed foods instead, finds a new study.
Therapy dog program works as needed mood-booster for health care workers, study shows
A new study shows the mood-boosting benefits of Buckeye Paws, a therapy dog program that many health care workers say helps reduce emotional exhaustion and improve work engagement.
Cow slime can help disc herniation patients after surgery, research shows
Researchers have developed a gel inspired by cow slime for patients suffering from disc herniation. By adding the mucin gel immediately after surgery, it is possible to create a protective barrier around the discs to prevent the immune system from attacking their nucleus pulposus. This keeps the discs intact and reduces the risk of further damage.
Vital language sites in brain act like connectors in a social network
When surgeons perform brain surgery on people with brain tumors or epilepsy, they need to remove the tumor or abnormal tissue while preserving parts of the brain that control language and movement. A new study may better inform doctors' decisions about which brain areas to preserve, thereby improving patients' language function after brain surgery. The study expands the understanding of how language is encoded in the brain and identifies key features of critical sites in the cerebral cortex that work together to produce language.