ScienceDaily: Top Health News

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• Molecule that orients neurons for high definition sensing identified
• Gene found to foster synapse formation in the brain
• Critical gene in retinal development and motion sensing identified
• Most detailed picture yet of key AIDS protein
• Stem cell scarring aids recovery from spinal cord injury
• Patient in 'vegetative state' not just aware, but paying attention, study suggests
• New knowledge about the body's fight against HIV
• Pizza perfect! A nutritional overhaul of 'junk food,' ready-meals is possible
• Monster mash: Protein folding gone wrong
• Seeing in the dark: Most people can see their body's movement in the absence of light
• Exposure to cortisol-like medications before birth may contribute to emotional problems, brain changes
• High protein diet, meal replacements can reduce rebound weight gain
• Fresher blood donations may be better for recipients
• Research shows ability to do next-generation sequencing for patients with advanced cancers
• Scientists identify molecular signals that rouse dormant HIV infection
• Paper guides physicians' disclosure of colleagues' errors
• Early HIV antiviral treatment found to be cost-effective in South Africa, India
• How internet affects young people at risk of self-harm, suicide
• Scientists call for action to tackle cervical cancer in Kenya
• Brain connectivity can predict epilepsy surgery outcomes
• Bacteria and fat: A 'perfect storm' for inflammation
• Study evaluates early stem cell transplants for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Research finding may help accelerate diabetic wound healing
• Half of prostate cancer patients in NC do not receive multidisciplinary care
• Compact delivery system for microbeam radiation therapy developed using nanotechnology
• Staph infections & eczema: What’s the connection?
• Monoclonal antibodies show promise as effective HIV therapy
• HPV vaccination rates alarmingly low among young women in Southern US
• Testosterone production study challenges 25-year-old scientific dogma
• Low thyroid levels may signal heightened risk of death in hospitalized patients
• Testing technique could lengthen lifespan of dialysis patients
• Better use of lighting in hospital rooms may improve patients' health
• 'Culture of resistance' for self-reporting concussions in youth sports

Molecule that orients neurons for high definition sensing identified Posted: 31 Oct 2013 11:27 AM PDT Many animals have highly developed senses, such as vision in carnivores, touch in mice, and hearing in bats. New research has uncovered a brain molecule that can explain the existence of such finely-tuned sensory capabilities, revealing how brain cells responsible for specific senses are positioned to receive incoming sensory information.

Gene found to foster synapse formation in the brain Posted: 31 Oct 2013 11:26 AM PDT Researchers say they have found that a gene already implicated in human speech disorders and epilepsy is also needed for vocalizations and synapse formation in mice. The finding, they say, adds to scientific understanding of how language develops, as well as the way synapses — the connections among brain cells that enable us to think — are formed.

Critical gene in retinal development and motion sensing identified Posted: 31 Oct 2013 11:26 AM PDT Our vision depends on exquisitely organized layers of cells within the eye's retina, each with a distinct role in perception. Researchers say they have taken an important step toward understanding how those cells are organized to produce what the brain "sees." Specifically, they report identification of a gene that guides the separation of two types of motion-sensing cells, offering insight into how cellular layering develops in the retina, with possible implications for the brain's cerebral cortex.

Most detailed picture yet of key AIDS protein Posted: 31 Oct 2013 11:26 AM PDT Scientists have determined the first atomic-level structure of the tripartite HIV envelope protein—long considered one of the most difficult targets in structural biology and of great value for medical science.

Stem cell scarring aids recovery from spinal cord injury Posted: 31 Oct 2013 11:06 AM PDT The scar tissue formed by stem cells after a spinal cord injury does not impair recovery; in fact, stem cell scarring confines the damage,according to new research. The findings indicate that scar tissue prevents the lesion from expanding and helps injured nerve cells survive. Spinal cord injuries sever nerve fibers that conduct signals between the brain and the rest of the body, causing various degrees of paralysis depending on the site and extent of the injury. Functional impairment is often permanent, since the cut nerve fibers do not grow back. The lack of regeneration had previously been attributed to a blockage from scar tissue that forms at the lesion.

Patient in 'vegetative state' not just aware, but paying attention, study suggests Posted: 31 Oct 2013 08:05 AM PDT A patient in a seemingly vegetative state, unable to move or speak, showed signs of attentive awareness that had not been detected before, a new study reveals.

New knowledge about the body's fight against HIV Posted: 31 Oct 2013 08:05 AM PDT A study of the body's reactions to the HIV virus has led to new understanding of the immune system's fight against HIV. The discovery is an important step on the road towards the future development of new methods for treating HIV.

Pizza perfect! A nutritional overhaul of 'junk food,' ready-meals is possible Posted: 31 Oct 2013 07:33 AM PDT Pizza is widely regarded as a fully-paid up member of the junk food gang -- maybe even the leader -- at least the versions found on supermarket shelves or delivered to your door by scooter.

Monster mash: Protein folding gone wrong Posted: 31 Oct 2013 07:30 AM PDT Imagine a 1950s horror movie monster —- a creeping, gluey tangle of gunk that strangles everything around it. That's what amyloid plaques are like when they form in body tissues. These gooey protein clumps are associated with many chronic and debilitating disorders, and scientists have made enormous strides in understanding how these structures play roles in disease.

Seeing in the dark: Most people can see their body's movement in the absence of light Posted: 31 Oct 2013 06:04 AM PDT With the help of computerized eye trackers, a new cognitive science study finds that at least 50 percent of people can see the movement of their own hand even in the absence of all light.

Exposure to cortisol-like medications before birth may contribute to emotional problems, brain changes Posted: 31 Oct 2013 06:03 AM PDT Neonatologists seem to perform miracles in the fight to support the survival of babies born prematurely. To promote their survival, cortisol-like drugs called glucocorticoids are administered frequently to women in preterm labor to accelerate their babies' lung maturation prior to birth, a substance naturally released by the body when stressed. But the levels of glucocorticoids administered to promote lung development are higher than that achieved with typical stress, similar to the body's reaction to extreme stresses.

High protein diet, meal replacements can reduce rebound weight gain Posted: 31 Oct 2013 06:03 AM PDT New research shows that there are several effective strategies available to people wanting to avoid regaining weight after a successful diet. Anti-obesity drugs, meal replacements and a high protein diet can help weight loss maintenance.

Fresher blood donations may be better for recipients Posted: 31 Oct 2013 06:00 AM PDT Although clinical evidence is lacking on the relationship between the storage time of red blood cells and outcomes in transfused patients, these authors are advocating for a modernized blood management system — similar to inventory management systems seen in the retail sector — to potentially reduce patient complications.

Research shows ability to do next-generation sequencing for patients with advanced cancers Posted: 30 Oct 2013 03:59 PM PDT A pilot study shows that, even for patients with advanced and rapidly transforming cancer, researchers can find potential therapeutic targets using the latest advances in genomic sequencing. Sequencing spells out, or decodes, the billions of letters of DNA and other genomic data so that clinicians can discover what genetic changes might lead to cancer.

Scientists identify molecular signals that rouse dormant HIV infection Posted: 30 Oct 2013 03:59 PM PDT Perhaps the single greatest barrier to curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS is the dormant, or "latent," reservoir of virus, which is out of reach of even the most potent medications. But now, scientists at the Gladstone Institutes have uncovered new clues that may help researchers awaken HIV from its slumber -- laying the foundation for purging all trace of the virus, and for one day finding a cure for the more than 34 million people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS.

Paper guides physicians' disclosure of colleagues' errors Posted: 30 Oct 2013 03:57 PM PDT A position paper published gives guidance to clinicians about broaching potential medical mistakes made by co-workers. The authors attempt to reframe the meaning of "colleague."

Early HIV antiviral treatment found to be cost-effective in South Africa, India Posted: 30 Oct 2013 03:57 PM PDT "Treatment as prevention" -- early initiation of antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected individuals with uninfected sexual partners to prevent viral transmission -- appears to make economic sense, along with meeting its clinical goals of helping infected patients stay healthy and reducing transmission.

How internet affects young people at risk of self-harm, suicide Posted: 30 Oct 2013 03:57 PM PDT Researchers have found internet forums provide a support network for socially isolated young people. However, they also conclude that the internet is linked to an increased risk of suicide and self-harm among vulnerable adolescents. Following what is thought to be the biggest review of existing studies into internet use and young people, the researchers suggest that in future, clinical assessments of such young people should include questions about the online content they have viewed.

Scientists call for action to tackle cervical cancer in Kenya Posted: 30 Oct 2013 03:55 PM PDT Less than seven percent of cervical cancer patients in Kenya are getting the optimum treatment needed to eradicate the disease, leading to unnecessary deaths.

Brain connectivity can predict epilepsy surgery outcomes Posted: 30 Oct 2013 03:51 PM PDT A discovery could provide epilepsy patients invaluable advance guidance about their chances to improve symptoms through surgery.

Bacteria and fat: A 'perfect storm' for inflammation Posted: 30 Oct 2013 03:51 PM PDT Using immortalized fat cells, researchers show that bacterial toxins trigger fat cells to produce pro-inflammatory molecules. The findings suggest that by promoting chronic inflammation through their effect on fat cells, bacterial toxins may play a role in the development of diabetes.

Study evaluates early stem cell transplants for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Posted: 30 Oct 2013 03:51 PM PDT Early stem cell transplants for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma do not improve overall survival in high-risk patients. But early transplantation does appear to benefit very high-risk patients.

Research finding may help accelerate diabetic wound healing Posted: 30 Oct 2013 12:29 PM PDT Researchers have, for the first time, identified the enzymes that are detrimental to diabetic wound healing and those that are beneficial to repair the wound.

Half of prostate cancer patients in NC do not receive multidisciplinary care Posted: 30 Oct 2013 11:24 AM PDT Only half of the men who receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in North Carolina consult with more than one type of physician before deciding on a course of treatment, according to research.

Compact delivery system for microbeam radiation therapy developed using nanotechnology Posted: 30 Oct 2013 11:24 AM PDT Microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) provides tremendous promise for cancer patients through its ability to destroy tumor cells while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. Yet research into its clinical use has been limited by the sheer size of the technology required to generate the beams. Now, a new microbeam emitter has been developed that scales down the technology, opening the doors for clinical research.

Staph infections & eczema: What’s the connection? Posted: 30 Oct 2013 11:24 AM PDT For the millions of people suffering from the intensely red, horribly itchy skin condition known as eczema, the only thing more maddening than their disease is the lack of understanding of what causes it, or makes it flare up from time to time. Now, a new finding may bring that understanding closer – and could help lead to better treatments.

Monoclonal antibodies show promise as effective HIV therapy Posted: 30 Oct 2013 11:24 AM PDT A research team has demonstrated that a group of recently discovered antibodies may be a highly effective therapy for the treatment of HIV.

HPV vaccination rates alarmingly low among young women in Southern US Posted: 30 Oct 2013 10:28 AM PDT Initiation and completion rates for the human papillomavirus vaccine series are significantly lower in the Southern US than any other geographic region, according to a new study. The new findings are especially disconcerting because cervical cancer -- which is caused almost exclusively by HPV -- is more prevalent in the South than in any other region.

Testosterone production study challenges 25-year-old scientific dogma Posted: 30 Oct 2013 10:27 AM PDT New research refutes the scientific community's long-held belief that the body needs a specific protein to produce steroid hormones like testosterone.

Low thyroid levels may signal heightened risk of death in hospitalized patients Posted: 30 Oct 2013 10:27 AM PDT Older individuals hospitalized with a serious condition may face a slimmer risk of surviving if their thyroid hormone levels are low, according to a recent study.

Testing technique could lengthen lifespan of dialysis patients Posted: 30 Oct 2013 10:27 AM PDT A new testing method can better detect potentially fatal hormone imbalances in patients with end-stage kidney disease, according to a recent study.

Better use of lighting in hospital rooms may improve patients' health Posted: 30 Oct 2013 09:55 AM PDT A new study suggests that changing the lighting patterns in hospital rooms so that they're more aligned with normal sleep-wake cycles could help patients feel better with less fatigue and pain. The findings point to a simple and inexpensive way to potentially improve patient care.

'Culture of resistance' for self-reporting concussions in youth sports Posted: 30 Oct 2013 09:55 AM PDT Young athletes in the US face a "culture of resistance" to reporting when they might have a concussion and to complying with treatment plans, which could endanger their well-being, says a new report. The report provides a broad examination of concussions in a variety of youth sports with athletes aged five to 21.

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