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Friday, April 4, 2014

ScienceDaily: Top Health News

ScienceDaily: Top Health News


Race now or later? Calculating best time to compete after altitude training

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 11:18 AM PDT

A number of studies focus on the optimal time to begin altitude training before competition, but few address the best time to come down from altitude and how long athletes should wait to reacclimatize before competing. Researchers search for the answers in the new review article.

Moonwalker flies backing up

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 11:18 AM PDT

A team of researchers managed to isolate "moonwalker flies" in a high-throughput screen. Screening a large collection of fruit flies, the scientists found specimens that seemed locked in reverse gear. Researchers were able to trace these changes in walking direction back to the activity of specific neurons in the brain.

Cave-dwelling fish examination finds possible genetic link to human disorders

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:23 AM PDT

Researchers have identified a genetic association with facial asymmetry in an ancient cavefish, a natural trait that may solve mysteries surrounding facial asymmetries in humans -- conditions such as cleft palate or hemifacial microsomia. "By understanding how genes are behaving differently on the right versus the left sides, we hope to discover why many craniofacial alterations are more severe or present on only one side of the face in humans," says Gross.

New study casts doubt on heart regeneration in mammals

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:22 AM PDT

The mammalian heart has generally been considered to lack the ability to repair itself after injury, but a 2011 study in newborn mice challenged this view, providing evidence for complete regeneration after resection of 10 percent of the apex, the lowest part of the heart. In a new study researchers attempted to replicate these recent findings but failed to uncover any evidence of complete heart regeneration in newborn mice that underwent apex resection.

Tumor suppressor gene TP53 mutated in 90 percent of most common childhood bone tumor

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:19 AM PDT

Mutations in the tumor suppressor gene TP53 have been found in 90 percent of osteosarcomas, suggesting the alteration plays a key role early in development of the bone cancer. The discovery that TP53 is altered in nearly every osteosarcoma also helps to explain a long-standing paradox in osteosarcoma treatment, which is why at standard doses radiation therapy is largely ineffective against the tumor.

Unraveling tangled origin of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:17 AM PDT

By studying nerve cells that originated in patients with a severe neurological disease, a researcher has pinpointed an error in protein formation that could be the root of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Also called Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS causes paralysis and death. According to the ALS Association, as many as 30,000 Americans are living with ALS.

Pulmonary hypertension deaths have increased over past decade, according to report

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:58 AM PDT

Deaths from pulmonary hypertension have increased over the past decade, according to a study. Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, causing the right side of the heart to work harder. Common causes of pulmonary hypertension include congestive heart failure, other heart diseases, birth defects of the heart, chronic lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and certain autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. The risk of pulmonary hypertension increases in older patients.

Tiny power generator runs on spit

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:58 AM PDT

Saliva-powered micro-sized microbial fuel cells can produce minute amounts of energy sufficient to run on-chip applications, according to engineers. Biomedical devices using micro-sized microbial fuel cells would be portable and have their energy source available anywhere.

Nanoparticles cause cancer cells to self-destruct

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:58 AM PDT

Using magnetically controlled nanoparticles to force tumor cells to 'self-destruct' sounds like science fiction, but could be a future part of cancer treatment, according to research. "The clever thing about the technique is that we can target selected cells without harming surrounding tissue. There are many ways to kill cells, but this method is contained and remote-controlled," said one researcher.

Radium-223 dichloride in prostate cancer: Major added benefit for certain patients

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:58 AM PDT

Radium-223 dichloride has been approved since November 2013 for men with advanced prostate cancer, in whom hormone blockade is no longer effective, and symptomatic bone metastases, but without visceral metastases. In an early benefit assessment, researchers examined whether this new drug offers an added benefit over the appropriate comparator therapy. No evaluable data were available for the comparison with docetaxel in patients in whom prolongation of life was the primary treatment goal. Hence an added benefit is not proven for this comparison.

People with higher bonuses don't give more to charity

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:57 AM PDT

People who receive higher bonuses are less likely to give to charity than those on lower earnings, research from economists has demonstrated. The study shows higher earners are less inclined to give, and donate a similar share of their money compared to those on lower incomes. The researchers also found that people getting high bonuses tended to attribute their windfall to their own hard work or achievement, even if in fact it was actually just down to good fortune.

Do you always agree with the topics newspaper editors choose to cover?

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:57 AM PDT

Research suggests social media users don't always agree with newspaper editors about which topics are the most important, a new article reveals. New results show significant differences in the topics emphasized by newspaper editors and social media users. While users of social media platforms favor sharing opinion pieces, along with national, local and world news, the editors themselves emphasized sport, the economy, entertainment and celebrity stories.

Drawing conclusions: Children's drawings during abuse investigations

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:22 AM PDT

Illustrations by children can be a critical tool in forensic investigations of child abuse. A recent study compared the results when child abuse victims were offered the opportunity to draw during questioning with results when victims were not offered this opportunity. "The act of drawing was not only an empowering experience for these children," said the lead investigator. "We had no idea the gap would be so great between those who drew and those who weren't given this option."

When managers attack: Coaches who care about pundits’ opinions worse at controlling anger

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:21 AM PDT

The notoriously short fuses of some sports coaches could be explained by excessive concern with how they will be seen by others, according to new research. Coaches who were more focused on their own high standards and less interested in the opinions of others were significantly better at controlling feelings of anger than those who were very focused on others' opinions of their performance.

Pocket-size ultrasonic nebulizer employing a novel nozzle improves inhalers

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:55 AM PDT

Inhalation is an increasingly important route for non-invasive drug delivery for both systemic and local applications. Control of particle size and output plays a critical role in the efficient and effective delivery of often expensive medications to the lung. Drugs designed to treat pulmonary diseases or for systemic absorption through the alveolar capillary bed require optimum particle sizes for effective delivery.

Structural insights into inner workings of viral nanomachine

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:55 AM PDT

Researchers are using new nanoscale imaging approaches to shed light on the dynamic activities of rotaviruses, important pathogens that cause life-threatening diarrhea in young children. Once a rotavirus enters a host cell, it sheds its outermost protein layer, leaving behind a double-layered particle (DLP). These DLPs are the form of the virus that produces messenger RNA molecules, which are critical for launching the infection.

Chowing down on watermelon could lower blood pressure, study suggests

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT

Watermelon could significantly reduce blood pressure in overweight individuals both at rest and while under stress. "The pressure on the aorta and on the heart decreased after consuming watermelon extract," the small study concludes.

Women entrepreneurs have limited chances to lead their new businesses

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT

Women who start new businesses with men have limited opportunities to move into leadership roles, according to sociologists. The research also found that when women co-found a business with their husbands, they have even fewer chances to be in charge. The study comes on the heels of a recent debate about businesses with all-male boards of directors and adds to a growing body of knowledge that documents women's limited access to leadership roles in the business world.

Women do not apply to 'male-sounding' job postings

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT

Even the wording of an employment ad can be a crucial factor whether the job goes to a woman or a man -- as women tend not to apply in case of doubt. They feel less inclined to respond to ads containing frequently used words like 'determined' and 'assertive' because such words are linked with male stereotypes.

Metabolites' role in understanding disease emphasized

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT

Over-reliance on genetic-centered approaches in predicting, diagnosing and treating disease will lead to few future scientific breakthroughs, cautioned a researcher who co-authored an article that advocates for a greater emphasis on the body's metabolites in understanding illnesses. "To augment the value of genetic data, the scientific community needs to add additional information from things like metabolomics -- the analysis of metabolites within an organism," said the lead author.

Ultrathin collagen matrix biomaterial tool for 3-D microtissue engineering

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT

A novel ultrathin collagen matrix assembly allows for the unprecedented maintenance of liver cell morphology and function in a microscale 'organ-on-a-chip' device that is one example of 3D microtissue engineering. This technology allows researchers to provide cells with the precise extracellular matrix cues that they require to maintain their differentiated form and liverspecific functions, including albumin and urea production.

Bruising detection system can distinguish between accident, real harm in child injuries

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT

A novel sensing skin adapted to a child surrogate is capable of capturing and recording potential bruising locations and impact force when used in simulated injurious events. "The presence, distribution and location of bruising on a child's body provide a roadmap documenting a child's exposure to impact; this information can be critical in a forensic analysis of a child's injuries," states the senior author.

What influences us most when choosing wine?

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:50 AM PDT

An Australian wine marketing researcher has examined what influences selection along the wine supply chain. He surveyed consumers, retailers, restaurateurs and distributors in 11 countries. The study found that for Australian liquor retailers, margin and price-point were the primary factors that influenced wine selection; however in restaurants and bars, wine selection was primarily based on the taste of the wine and how well it complemented the food.

Economic evaluation of an osteoporosis screening campaign using FRAX

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 05:44 AM PDT

An osteoporosis screening strategy using FRAX as a pre-screening tool is cost-effective if the follow up of the screening and medication adherence are optimized, research shows. FRAX (WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool) is a widely used algorithm to determine 10-year risk of fracture based on an individual's risk factors.

Body positive movement: Consumerist revolution?

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 05:44 AM PDT

The body positive movement seeks to defy media projected bodily stereotypes, celebrate diversity and encourage bodily self-appreciation, warts and all. Does the body positive movement bring deliverance from uniformity or further fuel the consumer-led obsession with self-image?  A new article uses body positive websites: Lady Gaga's 'Body Revolution', 'My Body Gallery' and 'Stop Hating Your Body' to investigate further.

Recovering from abdominal hernia repair often takes longer than patients expect, study finds

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 05:42 AM PDT

Think having a hernia repaired is going to be a walk in the park — or that you'll be ready to take a walk in the park within hours afterward? It may be time for a reality check, a study suggests. Researchers found that though patients tend to expect to return to normal activities swiftly after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, many of those studied were still experiencing pain and fatigue several days later. People under 60 and women in particular seemed to have more prolonged recoveries.

Caucasian Boys Show Highest Prevalence of Color Blindness Among Preschoolers

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 05:42 AM PDT

The first major study of color blindness in a multi-ethnic group of preschoolers has uncovered that Caucasian male children have the highest prevalence among four major ethnicities, with 1 in 20 testing color blind. Researchers also found that color blindness, or color vision deficiency, in boys is lowest in African-Americans, and confirmed that girls have a much lower prevalence of color blindness than boys.

Morning rays keep off pounds

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 06:25 PM PDT

A surprising new strategy for managing your weight? Bright morning light. People who had most of their daily exposure to bright light in the morning had a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) than those who had most of their light exposure later in the day, reports a new study. The earlier light exposure occurred, the lower the BMI. The influence of morning light on weight was independent of physical activity, caloric intake, sleep timing, age or season.

Body odor changes following vaccination

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 06:19 PM PDT

New research reveals that immunization can trigger a distinct change in body odor. This is the first demonstration of a bodily odor change due to immune activation. "This work provides further evidence that it is possible to use odors to 'eavesdrop' on the immune system, suggesting that non-invasive disease detection may be possible even before the onset of observable symptoms," one of the researchers said.

First blood test to predict risk of sudden cardiac death

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 01:24 PM PDT

A simple blood test can predict a person's risk for sudden cardiac death, enabling physicians to more quickly and accurately assess a patient's need for an implantable cardiac defibrillator, new research shows. "This is the first test of its kind; never before have clinicians been able to accurately assess a patient's risk of sudden cardiac death by performing a blood test," the lead researcher said.

Cardiopulmonary arrest in premature infant after cyclomydril eyedrops

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 01:23 PM PDT

Ophthalmologists should be prepared for life-threatening reactions during retinopathy of prematurity screening, new research suggests. "Cardiopulmonary arrest can occur from just instillation of eyedrops in a premature infant seen for ROP in an outpatient setting, and pediatric ophthalmologists should be prepared to handle such an emergency in their office," warns the main author.

Running, cardio activities in young adulthood may preserve thinking skills in middle age

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 01:23 PM PDT

Young adults who run or participate in other cardio fitness activities may preserve their memory and thinking skills in middle age, according to a new study. Middle age was defined as ages 43 to 55 in this study. "These findings are likely to help us earlier identify and consequently prevent or treat those at high risk of developing dementia," researchers said.

Unplanned pregnancy remains high among young Australian women

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 12:36 PM PDT

Despite high rates of contraceptive use, unwanted pregnancies resulting in terminations remain high among young women. In a new article, researchers examine the paradox of high rates of contraceptive use, over-the-counter availability of emergency contraception and unplanned pregnancy.

Gastro outbreaks hit elderly hardest

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 12:36 PM PDT

Frail elderly people living in residential care facilities are at increased risk of severe illness or death from outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis. "Notification of outbreaks to public health units should occur within 24 hours of any outbreak so that diagnostic testing and control measures can begin as soon as possible," the researchers state.

To boldly go? Experts issue ethics guidelines for health standards on NASA's next generation of risky missions

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 11:42 AM PDT

Scientists have issued a report with ethics principles and guidelines to aid NASA in decision-making for longer, higher risk human spaceflights. Such missions, including extended stays on the International Space Station and flights to Mars, have higher risks and are unlikely to meet the space agency's current health standards.

Novel biomarker for head and neck cancer, non-small cell lung cancer identified

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 11:03 AM PDT

A new biomarker linked to better outcomes of patients with head and neck cancers and non-small cell lung cancer has been identified by researchers. The work could help scientists develop new diagnostics and therapies and help physicians determine the best long-term treatments for patients with these cancers.

Beyond proficiency: How early English exposure influences non-native speakers

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 10:39 AM PDT

Non-native speakers exposed to English through newspapers, books, TV and classes as well as traveling before moving to the US are more likely to use the language socially and culturally, according to a report. "English-language ability is one of the most important determinants of socioeconomic mobility in the United States, with strong effects on employment, earnings and occupational status," noted the study's lead author.

Most comprehensive wiring diagram of the mammalian brain to date

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 10:39 AM PDT

Researchers have published the first comprehensive, large-scale data set on how the brain of a mammal is wired, providing a groundbreaking data resource and fresh insights into how the nervous system processes information. Their landmark paper describes the publicly available Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas and demonstrates the exciting knowledge that can be gleaned from this valuable resource.

A critical window into the developing human brain profiled in Nature

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 10:39 AM PDT

Researchers have generated a high-resolution blueprint for how to build a human brain, with a detailed map of where different genes are turned on and off during mid-pregnancy at unprecedented anatomical resolution. This is the first major report using data from the BrainSpan Atlas of the Developing Human Brain.

New general concept for treatment of cancer

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 10:39 AM PDT

A team of researchers from five Swedish universities has identified a new way of treating cancer. The concept is based on inhibiting a specific enzyme called MTH1, which cancer cells, unlike normal cells, require for survival. Without this enzyme, oxidized nucleotides are incorporated into DNA, resulting in lethal DNA double-strand breaks in cancer cells.

Call for circumcision gets a boost from experts

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 10:38 AM PDT

In the United States the rate of circumcision in men has increased to 81% over the past decade. In an important new study, authors have shown that the benefits of infant male circumcision to health exceed the risks by over 100 to 1. Over their lifetime half of uncircumcised males will contract an adverse medical condition caused by their foreskin, the researchers suggest.

Cell-surface receptor offers promising breakthrough for pancreatic cancer patients

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 09:14 AM PDT

Findings of a new study provide a direct proof for a new therapy and provide hope for the people with pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer rates in the U.S. have been rising over the past decade, and the disease takes a very heavy toll. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the last year alone about 45,220 people were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, while 38,460 died of the illness.

Longer stay in hospital ICU has lasting impact on quality of life

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 09:14 AM PDT

Patients have substantial physical impairments even two years after being discharged from the hospital after a stay in an intensive care unit (ICU), new research suggests. The scientists found that for every day of bed rest in the ICU, muscle strength was between 3 and 11 percent lower over the following months and years.

Researchers identify how zinc regulates key enzyme involved in cell death

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 08:16 AM PDT

The molecular details of how zinc, an essential trace element of human metabolism, interacts with the enzyme caspase-3, which is central to apoptosis or cell death, have been elucidated in a new study led by researchers. Dysregulation of apoptosis is implicated in cancer and neurodegenerative disease. Zinc is known to affect the process by inhibiting the activity of caspases, which are important drug targets for the treatment of the above conditions.

Food pantry clients struggle to afford diapers, detergent, other non-food items

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 08:16 AM PDT

Many food-insecure families also struggle to afford basic non-food household goods, such as personal care, household, and baby-care products, according to a new study. "These families often make trade-offs with other living expenses and employ coping strategies in an effort to secure such household items as toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, or disposable diapers," said the lead author.

E-cigarettes: No smoke, no danger?

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 08:15 AM PDT

Smokers turn to e-cigarettes to ease nicotine withdrawal, or to avoid harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke. But many use e-cigarettes in public spaces and regular cigarettes everywhere else. Quitting half-way won't help. And researchers do not know that smokeless vapor is safe. E-cigarettes create an inhalable nicotine vapor by heating a liquid nicotine solution. While there are many different e-cigarette devices on the market, the basic parts of a typical device include a battery, a cartridge with nicotine (and possibly flavoring), and a heater that vaporizes the nicotine to be inhaled.

Strain-specific Lyme disease immunity lasts for years

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 08:00 AM PDT

Lyme disease, if not treated promptly with antibiotics, can become a lingering problem for those infected. But a new study led by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania has some brighter news: Once infected with a particular strain of the disease-causing bacteria, humans appear to develop immunity against that strain that can last six to nine years.

Criticism of violent video games has decreased as technology has improved, gamers age

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 08:00 AM PDT

Journalists writing about video gaming expressed a considerable amount of concern about the level of violence in the game software companies were creating in the early 1990s, when video game design was limited by technology. However, this has decreased as the age of gamers has increased and the technology behind the games has improved.

Noisy brain signals: How schizophrenic brain misinterprets the world

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 08:00 AM PDT

Certain errors in visual perception in people with schizophrenia are consistent with interference or 'noise' in a brain signal known as a corollary discharge, a new study shows. Schizophrenia is a disorder that interferes with the ability to think clearly and to manage emotions. People with schizophrenia often attribute their own thoughts and actions to external sources, as in the case of auditory hallucinations. Other common symptoms include delusions and disorganized thinking and speech.

'3-D' test could reduce reliance on animals for testing asthma and allergy medications

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 08:00 AM PDT

To determine whether new medicines are safe and effective for humans, researchers must first test them in animals, which is costly and time-consuming, as well as ethically challenging. Scientists now report that they've developed a simple, '3-D' laboratory method to test asthma and allergy medications that mimics what happens in the body, which could help reduce the need for animal testing.

Key chocolate ingredients could help prevent obesity, diabetes

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 08:00 AM PDT

Improved thinking. Decreased appetite. Lowered blood pressure. The potential health benefits of dark chocolate keep piling up, and scientists are now homing in on what ingredients in chocolate might help prevent obesity, as well as type-2 diabetes. They found that one particular type of antioxidant in cocoa prevented laboratory mice from gaining excess weight and lowered their blood sugar levels.

Infants are sensitive to pleasant touch

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 07:57 AM PDT

Infants show unique physiological and behavioral responses to pleasant touch, which may help to cement the bonds between child and parent and promote early social and physiological development, according to research. According to the researchers, the findings "support the notion that pleasant touch plays a vital role in human social interactions by demonstrating that the sensitivity to pleasant touch emerges early in human development."

Integrating meditation with science

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 07:57 AM PDT

Mindfulness meditation produces personal experiences that are not readily interpretable by scientists who want to study its psychiatric benefits in the brain. Researchers have now been able to integrate mindfulness experience with hard neuroscience data to advance more rigorous study.

Pathological complete response predictor of favorable breast cancer outcome

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 07:57 AM PDT

Pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an independent predictive factor of favorable clinical outcomes in all molecular subtypes of breast cancer, a new trial demonstrates.

Treating tumors: Radiation able to be securely stored in nontoxic molecule, study suggests

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 07:56 AM PDT

Researchers discovered that microscopic "bubbles" are safe and effective storage lockers for harmful isotopes that emit ionizing radiation for treating tumors. The findings can benefit patient health and advance radiation therapy used to treat cancer and other diseases.

Pharmocogenomics has not fulfilled its promise to developing countries

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 07:56 AM PDT

From 1997 to 2010, despite promises made by the international scientific community, pharmacogenomic research produced few studies focusing on rare, orphan and tropical diseases prevalent in developing countries. Pharmcogenomics is a field of scientific research that studies the interaction between the genomic information of individuals (or populations) and their responses to drugs.

Rainy day can ruin online restaurant review

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 07:55 AM PDT

After looking at 1.1 million online reviews for 840,000 restaurants in more than 32,000 cities across the country, researchers have found that the weather outside can be just as significant a factor for reviews as what happens inside a restaurant. The study shows evaluations written on rainy or snowy days, or very cold or hot days, are more negative than those written on nice days.

Florida's participation in quality initiative resulted in statewide improvement

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 07:00 AM PDT

A surgical collaborative of hospitals across Florida resulted in broad improvement in the state, helping most hospitals significantly improve, according to a new study. Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®), the Florida Surgical Care Initiative (FSCI) was able to reduce complications by 14.5 percent.

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