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Sunday, June 15, 2014

ScienceDaily: Top Health News

ScienceDaily: Top Health News


Reversal of type 1 diabetes in mice may eventually help humans

Posted: 14 Jun 2014 04:26 PM PDT

Investigators have found a therapy that reverses new onset type 1 diabetes in mouse models and may advance efforts in combating the disease among humans. There is no cure for Type 1 diabetes though it can be controlled with insulin therapy. Symptoms of the disease include frequent urination, excessive thirst and weight loss even though you are eating more.

Canola oil may be an oil of choice for people with type 2 diabetes

Posted: 14 Jun 2014 12:03 PM PDT

New research suggests canola oil may be one of the oils of choice for people with Type 2 diabetes. Researchers compared people with Type 2 diabetes who ate either a low glycemic index diet that included bread made with canola oil, or a whole wheat diet known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research found that those on the canola bread diet experienced both a reduction in blood glucose levels and a significant reduction in LDL, or "bad," cholesterol.

Improving diet quality reduces risk for type 2 diabetes

Posted: 14 Jun 2014 12:03 PM PDT

Improving the overall quality of one's diet helps to prevent type 2 diabetes, independent of other lifestyle changes, according to a new study. The study found that those who improved their diet quality index scores by 10 percent over four years -- by eating more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and less sweetened beverages and saturated fats, for example -- reduced their risk for type 2 diabetes by about 20 percent, compared to those who made no changes to their diets.

Fasting reduces cholesterol levels in prediabetic people over extended period of time, new research finds

Posted: 14 Jun 2014 12:01 PM PDT

For prediabetics, many interventions focus on lifestyle changes and weight loss, but new research on periodic fasting has identified a biological process in the body that converts bad cholesterol in fat cells to energy, thus combating diabetes risk factors.

Text messages helpful in controlling diabetes

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 07:51 PM PDT

A text message-based self-management intervention improves glycemic control in high risk Latinos with type 2 diabetes, a study shows. The messages in the study focused on healthy nutrition tips, the benefits of physical activity and medication adherence, and requests to check blood sugar and send back results. Two to three messages were sent each day at the beginning of study enrollment, and the frequency tapered off over a six-month period.

Gender differences in obesity-related mortality revealed

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 07:51 PM PDT

Obesity, which affects more than one-third of Americans, is a chronic disease that can shorten one's life span, but new findings show that its effect on mortality has reduced in recent years among many groups, particularly women. "One of the possibilities our findings suggest, but do not prove, is that advances in medicine, screening procedures and interventions may have reduced the excess mortality associated with Grade 1 obesity; there are yet other explanations, as well," said one researcher.

Nurses play critical role in responding to global resurgence of pertussis

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 10:04 AM PDT

Pertussis (whooping cough) is on the increase in the United States and around the world -— and nurses play an essential role in educating parents and patients about the safety and effectiveness of pertussis vaccination, according to a new paper. Caused by infection with Bordetella pertussis bacteria, pertussis has been increasing in recent years. Worldwide, there are an estimated 50 million cases of pertussis and 300,000 deaths. Pertussis is a major cause of death in infants worldwide.

Scientists find trigger to decode the genome

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 09:13 AM PDT

An important trigger that dictates how cells change their identity and gain specialized functions has been decoded by scientists. The scientists have found out how embryonic stem cell fate is controlled which will lead to future research into how cells can be artificially manipulated. "We believe that our research will help to make regenerative medicine more effective and reliable because we'll be able to gain control and manipulate cells -- thus our understanding of the regulatory events within a cell shed light on how to decode the genome," concluded the lead author.

Racism in healthcare linked to poor mental health

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 07:49 AM PDT

Experiencing racism in health settings may have a stronger negative influence on the mental health of Aboriginal Australians than experiencing racism anywhere else, a survey has found. Racism in health settings may discourage patients to seek access to health services and other resources that protect and promote health.

Fungal protein found to cross blood-brain barrier

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 07:49 AM PDT

In a remarkable series of experiments on a fungus that causes cryptococcal meningitis, a deadly infection of the membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain, investigators have isolated a protein that appears to be responsible for the fungus' ability to cross from the bloodstream into the brain.

12 minutes of exercise improves attention, reading comprehension in low-income adolescents

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 07:49 AM PDT

12 minutes of exercise can improve attention and reading comprehension in low-income adolescents, suggesting that schools serving low-income populations should work brief bouts of exercise into their daily schedules.

Proliferation cues 'natural killer' cells for job change

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 06:52 AM PDT

Why would already abundant 'natural killer' cells proliferate even further after subduing an infection? It's been a biological mystery for 30 years. But now scientists have an answer: After proliferation, the cells switch from marshaling the immune response to calming it down. The findings illuminate the functions of a critical immune system cell important for early defense against disease induced by viral infection.

Antibodies from desert as guides to diseased cells

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 06:52 AM PDT

Nanoparticles are considered a promising approach in detecting and fighting tumor cells. The method has, however, often failed because the human immune system recognizes and rejects them before they can fulfill their function. Researchers have developed nanoparticles that bypass the body's defense system and find the diseased cells. This procedure uses fragments from an antibody that only occurs in camels and llamas.

Ipilimumab in advanced melanoma: no added benefit?

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 06:51 AM PDT

Two addenda did not change the result of the dossier assessment examining the effects of Ipilimumab in advanced melanoma. The results on which the drug manufacturer based its conclusions have methodological problems and are not informative.

New obesity drug closer than ever

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 06:51 AM PDT

Obesity and diabetes are among the fastest growing health problems in the world, and the hunt is in for a pill that can fight the problem. Now a research team has come up with a smart tool that will speed up the scientific hunting process, and we may be one step closer to a pill against obesity.

Weight loss critical to reduce burden of cardiovascular risk factors in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 05:50 AM PDT

Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) tend to co-exist and are associated with a variety of cardiovascular risk factors, including inflammation, insulin resistance, abnormal cholesterol, and high blood pressure. While effective therapies are available for OSA, researchers are still unclear about what interventions are most effective in reducing the burden of risk factors for cardiovascular disease associated with OSA in obese patients.

ScienceDaily: Top News

ScienceDaily: Top News


Reversal of type 1 diabetes in mice may eventually help humans

Posted: 14 Jun 2014 04:26 PM PDT

Investigators have found a therapy that reverses new onset type 1 diabetes in mouse models and may advance efforts in combating the disease among humans. There is no cure for Type 1 diabetes though it can be controlled with insulin therapy. Symptoms of the disease include frequent urination, excessive thirst and weight loss even though you are eating more.

Canola oil may be an oil of choice for people with type 2 diabetes

Posted: 14 Jun 2014 12:03 PM PDT

New research suggests canola oil may be one of the oils of choice for people with Type 2 diabetes. Researchers compared people with Type 2 diabetes who ate either a low glycemic index diet that included bread made with canola oil, or a whole wheat diet known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research found that those on the canola bread diet experienced both a reduction in blood glucose levels and a significant reduction in LDL, or "bad," cholesterol.

Fasting reduces cholesterol levels in prediabetic people over extended period of time, new research finds

Posted: 14 Jun 2014 12:01 PM PDT

For prediabetics, many interventions focus on lifestyle changes and weight loss, but new research on periodic fasting has identified a biological process in the body that converts bad cholesterol in fat cells to energy, thus combating diabetes risk factors.

Plate tectonics: Studies show movements of continents speeding up after slow 'middle age'

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 07:51 PM PDT

Two studies show that the movement rate of plates carrying the Earth's crust may not be constant over time. This could provide a new explanation for the patterns observed in the speed of evolution and has implications for the interpretation of climate models.

Gender differences in obesity-related mortality revealed

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 07:51 PM PDT

Obesity, which affects more than one-third of Americans, is a chronic disease that can shorten one's life span, but new findings show that its effect on mortality has reduced in recent years among many groups, particularly women. "One of the possibilities our findings suggest, but do not prove, is that advances in medicine, screening procedures and interventions may have reduced the excess mortality associated with Grade 1 obesity; there are yet other explanations, as well," said one researcher.

Scientists find trigger to decode the genome

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 09:13 AM PDT

An important trigger that dictates how cells change their identity and gain specialized functions has been decoded by scientists. The scientists have found out how embryonic stem cell fate is controlled which will lead to future research into how cells can be artificially manipulated. "We believe that our research will help to make regenerative medicine more effective and reliable because we'll be able to gain control and manipulate cells -- thus our understanding of the regulatory events within a cell shed light on how to decode the genome," concluded the lead author.

Fungal protein found to cross blood-brain barrier

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 07:49 AM PDT

In a remarkable series of experiments on a fungus that causes cryptococcal meningitis, a deadly infection of the membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain, investigators have isolated a protein that appears to be responsible for the fungus' ability to cross from the bloodstream into the brain.

Proliferation cues 'natural killer' cells for job change

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 06:52 AM PDT

Why would already abundant 'natural killer' cells proliferate even further after subduing an infection? It's been a biological mystery for 30 years. But now scientists have an answer: After proliferation, the cells switch from marshaling the immune response to calming it down. The findings illuminate the functions of a critical immune system cell important for early defense against disease induced by viral infection.

Antibodies from desert as guides to diseased cells

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 06:52 AM PDT

Nanoparticles are considered a promising approach in detecting and fighting tumor cells. The method has, however, often failed because the human immune system recognizes and rejects them before they can fulfill their function. Researchers have developed nanoparticles that bypass the body's defense system and find the diseased cells. This procedure uses fragments from an antibody that only occurs in camels and llamas.

New obesity drug closer than ever

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 06:51 AM PDT

Obesity and diabetes are among the fastest growing health problems in the world, and the hunt is in for a pill that can fight the problem. Now a research team has come up with a smart tool that will speed up the scientific hunting process, and we may be one step closer to a pill against obesity.

ScienceDaily: Top Science News

ScienceDaily: Top Science News


Reversal of type 1 diabetes in mice may eventually help humans

Posted: 14 Jun 2014 04:26 PM PDT

Investigators have found a therapy that reverses new onset type 1 diabetes in mouse models and may advance efforts in combating the disease among humans. There is no cure for Type 1 diabetes though it can be controlled with insulin therapy. Symptoms of the disease include frequent urination, excessive thirst and weight loss even though you are eating more.

ScienceDaily: Strange Science News

ScienceDaily: Strange Science News


Antibodies from desert as guides to diseased cells

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 06:52 AM PDT

Nanoparticles are considered a promising approach in detecting and fighting tumor cells. The method has, however, often failed because the human immune system recognizes and rejects them before they can fulfill their function. Researchers have developed nanoparticles that bypass the body's defense system and find the diseased cells. This procedure uses fragments from an antibody that only occurs in camels and llamas.

ScienceDaily: Living Well News

ScienceDaily: Living Well News


12 minutes of exercise improves attention, reading comprehension in low-income adolescents

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 07:49 AM PDT

12 minutes of exercise can improve attention and reading comprehension in low-income adolescents, suggesting that schools serving low-income populations should work brief bouts of exercise into their daily schedules.

What's the best way for toddlers to acquire verb meaning?

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 10:20 AM PDT

New research is shedding light on what kind of sentences are best at facilitating the growth of toddlers' vocabularies. A new study provides evidence that toddlers can learn verbs after hearing them only twice. For example, if a dad says to his two-year-old toddler, "I see a boy, and a balloon. I see waving," and another dad says to his two-year-old toddler, "A boy is waving a balloon," is one of them more likely to learn the verb "waving" than the other? The researchers said yes.

Baby-safe hand relief available for mothers

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 08:27 AM PDT

From weird cravings to swollen feet, pregnant women deal with a lot during those nine months. Some women even suffer from hand pain when there are simple, baby-safe options to treat the symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome and de Quervain's tenosynovitis are the two most common causes of hand pain for women who are expecting or have just delivered.

ScienceDaily: Most Popular News

ScienceDaily: Most Popular News


New evidence for 'oceans' of water deep in Earth: Water bound in mantle rock alters view of Earth's composition

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 11:23 AM PDT

Researchers report evidence for potentially oceans worth of water deep beneath the United States. Though not in the familiar liquid form -- the ingredients for water are bound up in rock deep in the Earth's mantle -- the discovery may represent the planet's largest water reservoir. The researchers have found deep pockets of magma located about 400 miles beneath North America, a likely signature of the presence of water at these depths.

Long-range tunneling of quantum particles

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 11:22 AM PDT

One of the most remarkable consequences of the rules in quantum mechanics is the capability of a quantum particle to penetrate through a potential barrier even though its energy would not allow for the corresponding classical trajectory. This is known as the quantum tunnel effect and manifests itself in a multitude of well-known phenomena. For example, it explains nuclear radioactive decay, fusion reactions in the interior of stars, and electron transport through quantum dots. Tunneling also is at the heart of many technical applications, for instance it allows for imaging of surfaces on the atomic length scale in scanning tunneling microscopes.

David and Goliath: How a tiny spider catches much larger prey

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 06:50 AM PDT

In nature, it is very rare to find a proverbial much smaller David able to overpower and kill a Goliath for supper. This is exactly the modus operandi of a solitary tiny spider from the Negev desert in Israel that routinely kills ants up to almost four times its own size.

Manipulating and detecting ultrahigh frequency sound waves: 1,000 times higher resolution ultrasound images possible

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 02:10 PM PDT

Researchers have demonstrated a technique for detecting and controlling ultrahigh frequency sound waves at the nanometer scale. This represents an advance towards next generation ultrasonic imaging with potentially 1,000 times higher resolution than today's medical ultrasounds.

Mining data archives yields haul of 'red nuggets' galaxies

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 12:11 PM PDT

The world of astronomy has changed. An astronomer used to have to travel to a remote location and endure long, cold nights, patiently guiding a telescope to collect precious photons of light. Now, a proliferation of online archives allows astronomers to make discoveries from the comfort of their own offices. By mining such archives, a team of astronomers has found a treasure trove of 'red nugget' galaxies.

White bread helps boost some of the gut's 'good' microbes

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 08:28 AM PDT

White-bread lovers take heart. Scientists are now reporting that this much-maligned food seems to encourage the growth of some of our most helpful inhabitants -- beneficial gut bacteria. In addition to this surprising find, a new study also revealed that when looking at effects of food on our 'microbiomes,' considering the whole diet, not just individual ingredients, is critical.

Making new species without sex: Plants can transfer their entire genetic material to a partner in an asexual manner

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 07:22 AM PDT

Plants can transfer their entire genetic material to a partner in an asexual manner, researchers report. Occasionally, two different plant species interbreed with each other in nature. This usually causes problems since the genetic information of both parents does not match. But sometimes, instead of passing on only half of each parent's genetic material, both plants transmit the complete information to the next generation. This means that the chromosome sets are totted up. The chromosomes are then able to find their suitable partner during meiosis, allowing the plants to stay fertile and a new species is generated.

Internet not responsible for dying newspapers, new study finds

Posted: 10 Jun 2014 09:19 AM PDT

We all know that the Internet has killed the traditional newspaper trade, right? After all, until the general population started interacting with the web in the mid-90s, the newspaper business was thriving -- offering readers top notch journalism and pages of ads. A new study finds assumptions about the decline of newspapers are based on three false premises.

Major West Antarctic glacier melting from geothermal sources

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 12:34 PM PDT

New research on the Thwaits Glacier will help ice sheet modeling efforts needed to determine when the collapse of the glacier will begin in earnest and at what rate the sea level will increase as it proceeds.

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News


Text messages helpful in controlling diabetes

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 07:51 PM PDT

A text message-based self-management intervention improves glycemic control in high risk Latinos with type 2 diabetes, a study shows. The messages in the study focused on healthy nutrition tips, the benefits of physical activity and medication adherence, and requests to check blood sugar and send back results. Two to three messages were sent each day at the beginning of study enrollment, and the frequency tapered off over a six-month period.

Antibodies from desert as guides to diseased cells

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 06:52 AM PDT

Nanoparticles are considered a promising approach in detecting and fighting tumor cells. The method has, however, often failed because the human immune system recognizes and rejects them before they can fulfill their function. Researchers have developed nanoparticles that bypass the body's defense system and find the diseased cells. This procedure uses fragments from an antibody that only occurs in camels and llamas.

Drivers of rheumatoid arthritis identified

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 11:37 AM PDT

Cutting-edge tetramer technology has been used to find the T cells that drive rheumatoid arthritis. This tool now allows scientists to study how RA starts, how current therapies may impact the immune response directed to the joint and how to specifically target these cells therapeutically. An estimated 1.3 million people in the United States have RA -- almost 1 percent of the nation's adult population. There are nearly three times as many women as men with the disease.

New tumor-targeting agent images, treats wide variety of cancers

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 11:36 AM PDT

A new class of tumor-targeting agents can seek out and find dozens of solid tumors, even illuminating brain cancer stem cells that resist current treatments, researchers report. What's more, years of animal studies and early human clinical trials show that this tumor-targeting, alkylphosphocholine (APC) molecule can deliver two types of "payloads" directly to cancer cells: a radioactive or fluorescent imaging label, or a radioactive medicine that binds and kills cancer cells.

New composite protects from corrosion at high mechanical stress

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 06:32 AM PDT

A composite material that prevents metal corrosion in an environmentally friendly way, even under extreme conditions, is being announced by researchers. It can be used wherever metals are exposed to severe weather conditions, aggressive gases, media containing salt, heavy wear or high pressures.

Improvements in MRI, passenger screening, other image-detection applications on the horizon

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 06:31 AM PDT

Researchers are developing new terahertz detectors based on carbon nanotubes that could lead to significant improvements in medical imaging, airport passenger screening, food inspection and other applications.