ScienceDaily: Health - September 26, 2024
Top health research news
Single-dose gene therapy is potentially life-changing for adults with hemophilia B
Adults with hemophilia B saw their number of bleeding episodes drop by an average of 71 percent after a single infusion of gene therapy, according to the new results of an international Phase III clinical trial.
Pigs may be transmission route of rat hepatitis E to humans
New research suggests that pigs may function as a transmission vehicle for a strain of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) common in rats that has recently been found to infect humans.
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How synchronization supports social interactions
Turn-taking dynamics of social interactions are important for speech and gesture synchronization, enabling conversations to proceed efficiently, according to a new study.
Digital biomarkers shedding light on seasonality in mood disorders
Wrist-based activity sensors worn by individuals with depression and those without over the course of two weeks provided evidence for the relationship between daily sunlight exposure and physical activity, according to a new study.
Obstructive sleep apnea may increase risk of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Intermittent hypoxia caused by obstructive sleep apnea increased the susceptibility of mice to develop abdominal aortic aneurysms, researchers report in a new study.
Researchers have mapped variation in human stem cells that explains how cells of an individual may shape a unique 'developmental dance' at the molecular level, thereby controlling how the brain and body are created.
Researchers establish stem cell repository focused on centenarians
A new resource allows for studies of human longevity and resilience that can fuel the discovery and validation of novel therapeutics for aging-related disease.
A new study sheds light on testosterone recovery following androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer, providing key insights for optimizing patient care.
New research explored the exacerbating and attenuating factors of despair-induced climate burnout to learn how people can overcome despair and maintain motivation to fight climate change.
Night-time noise linked to restless nights for airport neighbors, study finds
A research team combined measurements from activity monitors and questionnaires for a new study of impact of aircraft noise on sleep. Higher levels of noise were associated with disturbed sleep quality measured by activity monitors. Noise had little impact on sleep duration but higher likelihood of reporting sleeplessness.
Campylobacter jejuni-specific antibody gives hope to vaccine development
A team has discovered an antibody that specifically binds to the food poisoning bacteria Campylobacter jejuni. It was also found that this antibody inhibits the activity of proteins involved in bacterial energy production.
Almost everyone knows about HIV. Fewer people know about its relative, HTLV-1. However, HTLV-1 can cause serious illnesses, including cancer. To develop ways to combat this virus, understanding its structure is essential.
Air pollution exposure during early life can have lasting effects on the brain's white matter
Exposure to certain pollutants, like fine particles (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), during pregnancy and childhood is associated with differences in the microstructure of the brain s white matter, and some of these effects persist throughout adolescence.
Soil and water pollution: An invisible threat to cardiovascular health
Pesticides, heavy metals, micro- and nanoplastics in the soil, and environmentally harmful chemicals can have a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system, according to a review paper. The article provides an overview of the effects of soil and water pollution on human health and pathology and discusses the prevalence of soil and water pollutants and how they negatively affect health, particularly the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Brain development: extracellular vesicles facilitate cellular communication
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny bubbles released by cells, acting as cargo vessels through which cells exchange signals and thus communicate. A paper has demonstrated that this form of cellular exchange also plays a key role in the development of the brain.
Researchers harness AI to repurpose existing drugs for treatment of rare diseases
New AI model identifies possible therapies from existing medicines for thousands of diseases, including rare ones with no current treatments. The AI tool generates new insights on its own, applies them to conditions it was not trained for, and offers explanations for its predictions. AI can expedite the development of more precise treatments with fewer side effects at far lower cost than traditional drug discovery.
Combination treatment improves response to immunotherapy for lung cancer
Researchers have tested a combination of treatments in mice with lung cancer and shown that these allow immunotherapies to target non-responsive tumors.
Managing stress could be the key to helping highly impulsive people act rashly when bored
Research has explored the relationship between high impulsivity and boredom, in an effort to find out what drives rash and sometimes unhealthy decisions.
Bodily awareness could curb scams and fraud against older adults, study suggests
People were better at detecting lies when they were more attuned to signals from their body, according to a new study.
Growing divide: Rural men are living shorter, less healthy lives than their urban counterparts
With an aging population and fewer physicians available, the burden on rural communities is set to grow.
Protein behavior can be predicted with simple math
Researchers have discovered that mutations affect protein stability following remarkably simple rules. The discovery has profound implications for accelerating the development of new treatments for diseases or the design of new proteins with industrial applications.
Popular diabetes and weight-loss drug associated with lower opioid overdose risk, study finds
Researchers have identified a potential new approach to address the opioid overdose epidemic. Semaglutide was shown to lower opioid overdoses in people with opioid-use disorder and type 2 diabetes.
Encoding human experience: Study reveals how brain cells compute the flow of time
A landmark study has begun to unravel one of the fundamental mysteries in neuroscience -- how the human brain encodes and makes sense of the flow of time and experiences.
How do rare genetic variants affect health? AI provides more accurate predictions
Researchers have introduced an algorithm based on deep learning that can predict the effects of rare genetic variants. The method allows persons with high risk of disease to be distinguished more precisely and facilitates the identification of genes that are involved in the development of diseases.
Higher doses of buprenorphine may improve treatment outcomes for people with opioid use disorder
Adults with opioid use disorder who receive a higher daily dose of the opioid addiction treatment medication buprenorphine may have a lower risk of subsequent emergency department visits or use of inpatient services related to behavioral health (such as for mental health and substance use disorders) than adults receiving the recommended dose, according to a new analysis.
Better together: Gut microbiome communities' resilience to drugs
Many common drugs can impact the composition of gut microbiome communities. Scientists compared directly, for the first time, the effect of 30 diverse drug treatments on bacteria when they were grown in isolation versus as part of a complex community. The researchers found that the impact of drugs on bacteria is often less pronounced when they are part of a community, due to cross-protection strategies. Mapping and understanding emergent drug-microbiome interactions within the community context may help scientists design improved therapies with fewer side effects and higher drug efficacy in the future.
Psychedelics excite cells in hippocampus to reduce anxiety
A classic psychedelic, similar to LSD, psilocybin and mescalin, was found to activate a cell type in the brain that silences other neighboring neurons, a result that provides insight into how such drugs reduce anxiety, according to a new study.
Specially designed video games may benefit mental health of children and teenagers
Scientists conclude that some video games created as mental health interventions can be helpful -- if modest -- tools in improving the mental well-being of children and teens with anxiety, depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Placebo pain relief and positive treatment expectations are not caused by dopamine, researchers find
New findings argue against a direct causal role for dopamine during the experience of a treatment effect in the establishment of positive treatment expectations and placebo analgesia in healthy volunteers, according to a new study.
New cancer diagnoses did not rebound as expected following pandemic
Cancer incidence trends in 2021 largely returned to what they were before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, there was little evidence of a rebound in incidence that would account for the decline in diagnoses in 2020, when screening and other medical care was disrupted. One exception was breast cancer, where the researchers did see an uptick in diagnoses of advanced-stage disease in 2021.
AI chatbots rival doctors in accuracy for back pain advice, study finds
A new study reveals that artificial intelligence chatbots, such as ChatGPT, may be almost as effective as consulting a doctor for advice on low back pain.
Common brain network detected among veterans with traumatic brain injury could protect against PTSD
Researchers analyzed 193 patients from the Vietnam Head Injury Study with penetrating traumatic brain injury to determine if the location of shrapnel damage to their brains influenced risk of developing PTSD. Damage to areas connected to the amygdala was associated with a lower chance of developing PTSD. The study suggests lesions that could protect against PTSD map to a specific brain circuit connected to the amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex.
Outbreak detection under-resourced in Asia, study finds
A new study has revealed that despite the recent pandemic, outbreak detection efforts remain under-resourced in South and Southeast Asia, with only about half the countries reviewed having integrated pathogen genomic surveillance initiatives in their national plans. The study also identifies key priorities to enhance the preparedness of the region against future pandemics.
Lengthened consonants mark the beginning of words
Speech consists of a continuous stream of acoustic signals, yet humans can segment words from each other with astonishing precision and speed. To find out how this is possible, a team of linguists has analysed durations of consonants at different positions in words and utterances across a diverse sample of languages. They have found that word-initial consonants are, on average, around 13 milliseconds longer than their non-initial counterparts. The diversity of languages for which this effect was found suggests that this might be a species-wide pattern -- and one of several key factors for speech perception to distinguish the beginning of words within the stream of speech.
Graphene spike mat and fridge magnet technology to fight against antibiotic resistance
With strong bactericidal properties, graphene has the potential to become a game changer in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. So far there have been no efficient ways to control these properties -- and thus no way to make use of graphene's potential in healthcare. Now researchers have solved the problem by using the same technology found in an ordinary fridge magnet. The result of which, is an ultra-thin acupuncture-like surface that can act as a coating on catheters and implants -- killing 99.9 percent of all bacteria on a surface.
A risky business: Why do some Parkinson's disease treatments affect decision making?
Parkinson's disease, a debilitating nervous system disorder, is treated with medications that sometimes cause impaired decision-making and poor impulse control. Now, researchers have identified a structure in the brain called the external globus pallidus which may be responsible for this side effect, paving the way for new treatments.
Spinning artificial spider silk into next-generation medical materials
It's almost time to dust off the Halloween decorations and adorn the house with all manner of spooky things, including the classic polyester spider webs. Scientists have made their own version of fake spider silk, but this one consists of proteins and heals wounds instead of haunting hallways. The artificial silk is strong enough to be woven into bandages that helped treat joint injuries and skin lesions in mice.
The curious immune cells caught between worlds
Scientists have uncovered critical differences between how innate-like T cells mature in humans and mice. Early in life, most innate-like T cells in the human thymus aren't able to use all of their immune abilities. The discovery could point to better preclinical studies and, perhaps someday, a new form of immunotherapy.
A new article finds that prediabetes before conception may significantly increase the likelihood of gestational diabetes during first pregnancy.
Climate science: How a believer becomes a skeptic
Researchers explored the powerful effect of repetition on people's beliefs.
The heart of the question: Who can get Medicare-covered weight loss medicine?
With Medicare now covering semaglutide for people with obesity and cardiovascular disease who don't have diabetes, a study looks at who that might include, depending on what cutoffs prescription plans apply.
Low gravity in space travel found to weaken and disrupt normal rhythm in heart muscle cells
Scientists who arranged for 48 human bioengineered heart tissue samples to spend 30 days at the International Space Station report evidence that the low gravity conditions in space weakened the tissues and disrupted their normal rhythmic beats when compared to earth-bound samples from the same source.
Paving the way for new treatments
Researchers have created a computer program that can unravel the mysteries of how proteins work together -- giving scientists valuable insights to better prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and other diseases. The tool uses artificial intelligence (AI) to build the three-dimensional atomic structure of large protein complexes.
Dream discovery: Melatonin's key role in REM sleep revealed
A significant breakthrough in the understanding of sleep mechanism opens new promise for treating sleep disorders and associated neuropsychiatric conditions: Scientists have pinpointed the melatonin receptor MT1 as a crucial regulator of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
Research quantifying 'nociception' could help improve management of surgical pain
New statistical models based on rigorous physiological data from more than 100 surgeries provide objective, accurate measures of 'nociception,' the body's subconscious perception of pain.
New approach to defibrillation may improve cardiac arrest outcomes
A new observational study suggests the position in which responders initially place the two defibrillator pads on the body may make a significant difference in returning spontaneous blood circulation after shock from a defibrillator.
New research finds that adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders have high rates of comorbid mental and substance use disorders and significant social and economic disadvantages, and only 26% received minimally adequate treatment. Meeting the needs of people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders will require innovative interventions and implementation to improve access to and use of evidence-based approaches, the authors argue.
Potential breakthrough for hard to treat cancers
Experts have developed a breakthrough small-molecule drug, a 'protein degrader'. This molecule, called ACBI3, could potentially lead to new therapies independent of KRAS mutation type, improving outcomes for all patients with cancers caused by KRAS mutations.
From chaos to order: Proteins can re-structure themselves to create important substances
The protein 'MIPS' changes its internal structure when it becomes active. Its disordered active centre becomes a defined structure with special functions. The protein plays a key role in the production of inositol, which is also known as vitamin B8, and fulfills important tasks in the body. Researchers have succeeded for the first time in observing the protein as it re-structures.
How the brain integrates pain prediction and stimuli
A study has uncovered new insights into how the brain processes and integrates pain information. The research goes beyond identifying brain areas that respond to pain, revealing the mechanisms behind the brain's integration of pain-related information. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), they formalized how the brain combines pain expectations with the actual intensity of painful stimuli.
Innovative model provides valuable insights into prostate cancer spread
A new preclinical model using CRISPR, an advanced technology that allows scientists to cut and edit genes, has given researchers a deeper insight into how prostate cancer spreads or metastasizes.
Pandemic-era babies do not have higher autism risk, finds study
Children born during the pandemic, including those exposed to COVID in utero, were no more likely to screen positive for autism than unexposed or pre-pandemic children.
Study of former NFL players finds 1 in 3 believe they have CTE
A study of nearly 2,000 former NFL players shows one-third believe that they have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Those individuals were more likely to report cognitive symptoms, and 25% of them also reported suicidal thoughts. The players who thought they had CTE also were more likely to have low testosterone, depression, pain and other treatable conditions that cause cognitive symptoms.
New insights into intellectual disability genetics emerge
Researchers have published a pivotal study that sheds light on a novel genetic variant associated with intellectual capacities and educational outcomes. This discovery offers new insights into intellectual disability diagnostics and potential therapeutic avenues.
Experts discover the deadly genetics of cholera, which could be key to its prevention
Experts have used a cutting-edge computational approach to discover the genetic factors that make the bacteria behind cholera so dangerous -- which could be key to preventing this deadly disease. The innovative research combines machine learning, genomics, genome-scale metabolic modelling (GSMM), and 3D structural analysis to uncover the genetic secrets of Vibrio cholerae -- the bacteria behind cholera.
Most new recessive developmental disorder diagnoses lie within known genes
Researchers assessed the role of recessive genetic variants in developmental disorders, suggesting reanalysis of genetic data could improve understanding and diagnosis of conditions for millions of families worldwide.
Compact 'gene scissor' enables effective genome editing
CRISPR-Cas is used broadly in research and medicine to edit, insert, delete or regulate genes in organisms. TnpB is an ancestor of this well-known 'gene scissor' but is much smaller and thus easier to transport into cells. Using protein engineering and AI algorithms, researchers have now enhanced TnpB capabilities to make DNA editing more efficient and versatile, paving the way for treating a genetic defect for high cholesterol in the future.
Yet another reason why you should sleep on it before making an important decision
Conventional wisdom holds that people are easily seduced by first impressions, and there's solid scientific evidence that initial snap judgements are hard to shake -- even when they turn out to be inaccurate. But according to a new study, sleeping on it can help us avoid judging a book solely by its cover.
Social media posts may provide early warning of PTSD problems
Scientists have analyzed millions of tweets to identify COVID-19 survivors living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) -- demonstrating the effectiveness of using social media data as a tool for early screening and intervention.
Bringing lost proteins back home
A new method for relocating proteins that have been misplaced in cells could mean new treatments for cancers and neurodegeneration.