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Tuesday, November 4, 2014

ScienceDaily: Top Health News

ScienceDaily: Top Health News


Preterm, low birth-weight babies may need new hips in adulthood

Posted: 03 Nov 2014 05:25 AM PST

Researchers from Australia report that low birth weight and preterm birth are linked to increased risk for osteoarthritis (OA)-related hip replacements in adulthood. The findings also indicate that low birth weight and pre-term babies were not at greater risk of knee arthroplasty due to OA as adults.

New technique efficiently turns antibodies into highly tuned 'nanobodies'

Posted: 02 Nov 2014 01:01 PM PST

A new system promises to make nanobodies -- antibodies' tiny cousins -- dramatically more accessible for all kinds of research.

Mutant models to identify cancer mutations

Posted: 02 Nov 2014 01:01 PM PST

Using mathematical toolkits traditionally considered the property of statistical physics and artificial intelligence, researchers have developed a way to identify important cancer mutations. This approach can model the effects that cancer mutations have on the intricate patterns of communication between groups of proteins involved in cell signaling. The model shows how mutations can alter signaling networks and points the way to a better understanding of cancer genomes.

'Wimpy' antibody protects against kidney disease in mice

Posted: 02 Nov 2014 01:01 PM PST

An antibody abundant in mice and previously thought to offer poor assistance in fighting against infection may actually play a key role in keeping immune responses in check and preventing more serious self-inflicted forms of kidney disease, according to research.

Step towards blood test for many cancer types

Posted: 02 Nov 2014 01:00 PM PST

Scientists have identified more than 800 markers in the blood of cancer patients that could help lead to a single blood test for early detection of many types of cancer in future, according to researchers.

'Invisible tattoos' could improve body confidence after breast cancer radiotherapy

Posted: 02 Nov 2014 01:00 PM PST

Invisible tattoos could replace the permanent dark ink tattoos used to ensure that breast cancer patients having radiotherapy are treated in exactly the same spot during each session, according to results from a pilot study. Research suggests that the permanent pin prick marks made on the skin of women having radiotherapy reminds them of their diagnosis for years to come, reducing body confidence and self-esteem.

New mechanism for febrile seizures in young children discovered

Posted: 02 Nov 2014 01:00 PM PST

Febrile seizures are among the most dreaded complications of infectious diseases in small children. An international research team has now made a breakthrough by demonstrating the existence of a previously unknown cause for this most frequent form of epileptic attacks in small children. As their study shows, mutations in the STX1B gene are responsible for the children's pathological reactions to fever. The gene mutations lead to an impaired regulation in the release of certain nerve cell messenger substances.

Possible alternative to antibiotics

Posted: 02 Nov 2014 01:00 PM PST

A novel substance for the treatment of severe bacterial infections has been developed to work without antibiotics. Scientists say that this would prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

Improving imaging of cancerous tissues by reversing time

Posted: 02 Nov 2014 12:58 PM PST

A novel time-reversal technology is being applied by researchers that allows them to better focus light in tissue, such as muscles and organs. Current high-resolution optical imaging technology allows researchers to see about 1 millimeter deep into the body. In an attempt to improve this "visibility," this study used photoacoustic imaging, which combines light with acoustic waves, or sound, to form a sharper image, even several centimeters into the skin.

Immune cells proposed as HIV hideout don't last in primate model

Posted: 01 Nov 2014 02:32 PM PDT

New research sheds light on the question of which cells support viral replication and persistence, and the answers have implications for future efforts to eliminate HIV from the body in human patients.

Resveratrol could reverse benefits of being active

Posted: 01 Nov 2014 02:32 PM PDT

Adding resveratrol supplements to your exercise routine may not enhance the effects of physical activity, scientists say. "The easiest way to experience the benefits of physical activity is to be physically active," says Dr. Gurd, a professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies. "The efficacy of resveratrol at improving metabolic and cardiovascular functions is not as profound as was once thought."

Pediatric hydrocephalus: Guidelines for treatment published

Posted: 01 Nov 2014 02:32 PM PDT

The publication guidelines for treatment for pediatric hydrocephalus has now been announced. Authored by a volunteer task force from the pediatric neurosurgery community, the supplement offers a thorough evaluation of the current treatments for pediatric hydrocephalus as well as up-to-date evidence-based recommendations for their use.

Ethnic minorities less aware of cancer symptoms, more likely to identify barriers to seeking medical help

Posted: 01 Nov 2014 02:31 PM PDT

Ethnic minorities in England are less aware of cancer symptoms and more likely to say they wouldn't see the doctor, even when they have a symptom that they think might be serious, according to research.

Cancer cell fingerprints in blood may speed up childhood cancer diagnosis

Posted: 01 Nov 2014 02:31 PM PDT

Newly-identified cancer cell fingerprints in the blood could one day help doctors diagnose a range of children's cancers faster and more accurately, according to research.

Are my muscular dystrophy drugs working? Measuring muscle health with low-resolution ultrasound images

Posted: 01 Nov 2014 02:31 PM PDT

People with muscular dystrophy could one day assess the effectiveness of their medication with the help of a smartphone-linked device, a new study in mice suggests. The study used a new method to process ultrasound imaging information that could lead to hand-held instruments that provide fast, convenient medical information.

Ebola crisis: Communication chaos we can avoid

Posted: 31 Oct 2014 09:06 AM PDT

Medical researchers and experts are discussing the importance of communication and health literacy in times of panic.

Predictors of kidney failure found in teenagers

Posted: 31 Oct 2014 09:06 AM PDT

Kidney failure later in life can be predicted based on measurements taken in adolescence, according to a study. "It is never too early to tackle issues like unhealthy weight gain and hypertension as it may be much harder to begin a healthy lifestyle in later adulthood. How you live as a teenager has consequences for your health in middle age," researchers state.

Report examines challenges confronting health care for pregnant women enrolled in Covered California, recommends workable solutions

Posted: 31 Oct 2014 05:19 AM PDT

The challenge of maintaining enriched health care for pregnant women who are enrolled in Covered California and who are also eligible for Medi-Cal, has been the focus of recent research.

How stem cells can be activated to help immune system respond to infection

Posted: 30 Oct 2014 06:37 PM PDT

Scientists show that two genes not previously known to be involved with the immune system play an active role in directing stem cells to fight infection. This discovery lays the groundwork for a better understanding of the role progenitor cells can play in immune system response and could lead to the development of more effective therapies for a wide range of diseases.

Effect of chemotherapy on surgical resection of liver tumors

Posted: 30 Oct 2014 06:37 PM PDT

A study of pediatric patients with hepatoblastoma suggests an opportunity to reduce chemotherapy in up to 65 percent of patients, which could lead to a decrease in the incidence of adverse effects, experts say.

Four timely facts about our biological clocks

Posted: 30 Oct 2014 06:37 PM PDT

After you roll your clocks back by an hour, you may feel tired. That's because our bodies — more specifically, our circadian rhythms — need a little time to adjust. These daily cycles are run by a network of tiny, coordinated biological clocks. One researcher tracks circadian rhythm research being conducted in labs across the country, and he shares a few timely details about our internal clocks.

New computer imaging approaches used to accurately measure breast tumors, chronic wounds

Posted: 30 Oct 2014 12:06 PM PDT

Surgeons are tweaking existing computer technologies to enhance their visualization of cancerous tumors and persistent wounds according to experts. These high-tech imaging techniques, according to their developers, are more accurate than standard methods.

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