ScienceDaily: Top Health News

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• U.S. scientists don't publish articles about potential role of innate variation in athletic performance
• Nanoparticles used to enhance chemotherapy
• Patient patience and pandemics: How to keep patient choice up, stress down in a pandemic
• Neuroeconomists confirm Warren Buffett's wisdom: Brain research suggests an early warning signal tips off smart traders
• Smart and socially adept increases labor market value
• Expectant moms turn to internet for pregnancy advice more than they would like
• Of non-marijuana drug users in the ER, nearly all are problem drug users
• Time of day crucial to accurately test for diseases, new research finds
• Mathematical model illustrates our online 'copycat' behavior
• Understanding of how hearing works advanced by new research
• Restored immunity shown for cancer-related fungal infections
• Dodging dots helps explain brain circuitry
• Moral beliefs a barrier to HPV vaccine, researchers find
• Infant toenails reveal in utero exposure to low-level arsenic, study finds
• Support team aiding caregivers of cancer patients shows success, researchers report
• Racial/ethnic disparities in HIV medical studies examined by researchers
• Sitting too much, not just lack of exercise, is detrimental to cardiovascular health
• Mechanism that prevents lethal bacteria from causing invasive disease is revealed
• Non-diet approach to weight management more effective in worksite wellness programs
• Obesity, large waist size risk factors for COPD
• Less exercise, not more calories, responsible for expanding waistlines
• Mind the gap: Socioeconomic status may influence understanding of science
• Retired NFL players may be at risk for hearing loss and tinnitus
• Alzheimer's disease: Simplified diagnosis, with more reliable criteria
• Sleep deprivation leads to symptoms of schizophrenia, research shows
• Taking a short smartphone break improves employee well-being, research finds
• Teen dating violence cuts both ways: 1 in 6 girls, guys have been aggressors, victims or both
• Low-cost TB test means quicker, more reliable diagnosis for patients
• Important piece in brain tumor puzzle found by scientists
• High-quality gene catalog of human gut microbiome created
• College athletes with abusive coaches more willing to cheat
• Viruses use 'fake' proteins to hide in our cells
• Babies born to healthy moms worldwide are strikingly similar in size
• Blocking cells' movement to stop spread of cancer
• How two simple questions could help GPs identify patients with drinking problems
• Revolutionary approach to studying intestinal microbiota
• DNA origami nano-tool provides important clue to cancer
• Animal vaccines should guide malaria research, experts say
• 18% of high school seniors smoke hookah, researchers find
• 'Unloved' pseudogenes may provide clearer understanding of biomarkers
• Sutures or staples? Best choice for C-section
• 'Nanojuice' could improve how doctors examine the gut
• New knowledge about intestines uncovered: microorganisms, bacterial viruses in intestinal flora identified
• Global toolkit to diagnose menopause
• Novel protein complex with potential to combat gastric cancer caused by bacterial infection found by researchers
• Cheaper drugs for common heart attack procedure could improve outcomes, save health budgets millions
• Sierra Leone researchers call for improved health surveillance, communication around Ebola crisis
• Chip developed for rapid detection of dengue fever
• Headbanging: Doctors highlight potential dangers at hardcore rock 'n' roll acts
• Burst spinal artery aneurysm linked to Ecstasy use
• 'Unhealthy' food and drinks have starring role in kids' TV programs, UK study finds
• High-protein weight loss diets can work, scientists show
• Effects of conflict on women's reproductive health need to be managed sensitively

U.S. scientists don't publish articles about potential role of innate variation in athletic performance Posted: 07 Jul 2014 01:17 PM PDT Compared to scientists working in other countries, US-based scientists are underrepresented as authors of articles on the potential role of innate variation in athletic performance that are published in peer-reviewed science journals.

Nanoparticles used to enhance chemotherapy Posted: 07 Jul 2014 01:17 PM PDT A new formulation of cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug, has been developed by researchers that significantly increases the drug's ability to target and destroy cancerous cells. Cisplatin may be used to treat a variety of cancers, but it is most commonly prescribed for cancer of the bladder, ovaries, cervix, testicles and lung. It is an effective drug, but many cancerous cells develop resistance to the treatment.

Patient patience and pandemics: How to keep patient choice up, stress down in a pandemic Posted: 07 Jul 2014 12:25 PM PDT Allowing patients to choose which hospital they attend when suffering illness during a pandemic rather than assigning them to a specific healthcare facility could be inefficient, according to research. But incentives might redress the balance. A new proposal is based on two assignment models. The first, a decentralized, equilibrium model, describes the patient choice of hospital. The second, centralized, non-linear programming model allows the health authority to maximize resource utilization of all the hospitals in a given region.

Neuroeconomists confirm Warren Buffett's wisdom: Brain research suggests an early warning signal tips off smart traders Posted: 07 Jul 2014 12:25 PM PDT Investment magnate Warren Buffett has famously suggested that investors should try to 'be fearful when others are greedy and be greedy only when others are fearful.' That turns out to be excellent advice, according to the results of a new study that looked at the brain activity and behavior of people trading in experimental markets where price bubbles formed.

Smart and socially adept increases labor market value Posted: 07 Jul 2014 12:25 PM PDT Data shows an increase over time in the labor market valuation of individuals who possess cognitive ability as well as social skills. No matter how you cut it, individuals who reach the highest rungs on the corporate ladder are smart and social, new research shows.

Expectant moms turn to internet for pregnancy advice more than they would like Posted: 07 Jul 2014 12:25 PM PDT Pregnant women are using the Internet to seek answers to their medical questions more often than they would like, say researchers.

Of non-marijuana drug users in the ER, nearly all are problem drug users Posted: 07 Jul 2014 12:24 PM PDT Of emergency patients who reported any drug other than marijuana as their primary drug of use, 90.7 percent met the criteria for problematic drug use. Among patients who reported cannabis (marijuana) as their primary drug, almost half met the criteria for having a drug problem, according to a study.

Time of day crucial to accurately test for diseases, new research finds Posted: 07 Jul 2014 12:24 PM PDT Time of day and sleep deprivation have a significant effect on our metabolism, a new study confirms. The finding could be crucial when looking at the best time of day to test for diseases such as cancer and heart disease, and for administering medicines effectively. Researchers investigated the links between sleep deprivation, body clock disruption and metabolism, and discovered a clear variation in metabolism according to the time of day.

Mathematical model illustrates our online 'copycat' behavior Posted: 07 Jul 2014 12:24 PM PDT Researchers examined how users are influenced in the choice of apps that they install on their Facebook pages by creating a mathematical model to capture the dynamics at play.

Understanding of how hearing works advanced by new research Posted: 07 Jul 2014 12:22 PM PDT Understanding how hearing works has long been hampered by challenges associated with seeing inside the inner ear, but technology being developed by a team of researchers is generating some of the most detailed images of the inner ear to date. Employing a technique that generates high-resolution, three-dimensional images, researchers are mapping the tissues within the cochlea, the portion of the inner ear responsible for hearing.

Restored immunity shown for cancer-related fungal infections Posted: 07 Jul 2014 12:22 PM PDT Sleeping Beauty and fungal infections -- not two items one would normally associate together, but for immunocompromised cancer patients they may prove to be a helpful combination. A study has used the Sleeping Beauty gene transfer system to modify T cells in hopes of fighting major life-threatening infections caused by invasive Aspergillus fungus.

Dodging dots helps explain brain circuitry Posted: 07 Jul 2014 11:17 AM PDT Neuroscientists looked cell by cell at the brain circuitry that tadpoles, and possibly other animals, use to avoid collisions. The study produced a model of how individual inhibitory and excitatory neurons can work together to control a simple behavior. The basic circuitry involved is present in a wide variety of animals, including people, which is no surprise given how fundamental collision avoidance is across animal behavior.

Moral beliefs a barrier to HPV vaccine, researchers find Posted: 07 Jul 2014 11:17 AM PDT The biggest barrier to receiving a human papillomavirus vaccine was moral or religious beliefs, a survey of first-year students has indicated. The HPV vaccines are commonly recommended for children ages 11-12 to protect against cervical cancers in women, and genital warts and other cancers in men.

Infant toenails reveal in utero exposure to low-level arsenic, study finds Posted: 07 Jul 2014 11:17 AM PDT Infant toenails are a reliable way to estimate arsenic exposure before birth, a study shows. A growing body of evidence suggests that in utero and early-life exposure to arsenic may have detrimental effects on children, even at the low to moderate levels common in the United States and elsewhere. The fetus starts to develop toenails during the first trimester, making them an accurate measure of exposure to arsenic during the entire gestation.

Support team aiding caregivers of cancer patients shows success, researchers report Posted: 07 Jul 2014 11:17 AM PDT Many caregivers of terminal cancer patients suffer depression and report regret and guilt from feeling they could have done more to eliminate side effects and relieve the pain. So researchers devised and tested an intervention that quickly integrates a cancer support team to guide caregivers and their patients through difficult end-of-life treatment and decisions.

Racial/ethnic disparities in HIV medical studies examined by researchers Posted: 07 Jul 2014 11:17 AM PDT Social/behavioral intervention vastly increased the number of African American and Latino individuals living with HIV/AIDS who enrolled in HIV/AIDS medical studies, a study has found. Nine out of 10 participants who were found eligible for studies decided to enroll, compared to zero participants among a control group.

Sitting too much, not just lack of exercise, is detrimental to cardiovascular health Posted: 07 Jul 2014 11:16 AM PDT Cardiologists have found that sedentary behaviors may lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels. New evidence suggests that two hours of sedentary behavior can be just as harmful as 20 minutes of exercise is beneficial.

Mechanism that prevents lethal bacteria from causing invasive disease is revealed Posted: 07 Jul 2014 10:43 AM PDT An important development in understanding how the bacterium that causes pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia remains harmlessly in the nose and throat has been discovered by scientists. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a 'commensal', which can live harmlessly in the nasopharynx as part of the body's natural bacterial flora. However, in the very young and old it can invade the rest of the body, leading to serious diseases such as pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis, which claim up to a million lives every year worldwide.

Non-diet approach to weight management more effective in worksite wellness programs Posted: 07 Jul 2014 10:43 AM PDT Researchers have found that 'Eat for Life,' a new wellness approach that focuses on mindfulness and intuitive eating as a lifestyle, is more effective than traditional weight-loss programs in improving individuals' views of their bodies and decreasing problematic eating behaviors.

Obesity, large waist size risk factors for COPD Posted: 07 Jul 2014 10:43 AM PDT Obesity, especially excessive belly fat, is a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a new article. Excessive belly fat and low physical activity are linked to progression of the disease in people with COPD, but it is not known whether these modifiable factors are linked to new cases.

Less exercise, not more calories, responsible for expanding waistlines Posted: 07 Jul 2014 10:42 AM PDT Sedentary lifestyle and not caloric intake may be to blame for increased obesity in the US, according to a new analysis. A study reveals that in the past 20 years there has been a sharp decrease in physical exercise and an increase in average body mass index (BMI), while caloric intake has remained steady. Investigators theorized that a nationwide drop in leisure-time physical activity, especially among young women, may be responsible for the upward trend in obesity rates.

Mind the gap: Socioeconomic status may influence understanding of science Posted: 07 Jul 2014 10:42 AM PDT When it comes to science, socioeconomic status may widen confidence gaps among the least and most educated groups in society, according to a new study. The findings show that similar levels of attention to science in newspapers and on blogs can lead to vastly different levels of factual and perceived knowledge between the two groups.

Retired NFL players may be at risk for hearing loss and tinnitus Posted: 07 Jul 2014 10:42 AM PDT Retired NFL players may be at risk for permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, according to an ear surgeon. Many NFL players suffer one or more concussions during their careers. And Leonetti notes that such blunt head trauma has been associated with hearing loss and tinnitus (chronic ringing or buzzing in the ears).

Alzheimer's disease: Simplified diagnosis, with more reliable criteria Posted: 07 Jul 2014 09:15 AM PDT How many patients receive an incorrect diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease? The answer is a surprisingly high number: over a third, researchers report. To reduce the number of errors, researchers have developed a simplified diagnosis based on the most specific criteria of the disease. A challenge primarily for research, but also for clinical practice.

Sleep deprivation leads to symptoms of schizophrenia, research shows Posted: 07 Jul 2014 09:14 AM PDT Twenty-four hours of sleep deprivation can lead to conditions in healthy persons similar to the symptoms of schizophrenia. This discovery was made by an international team of researchers, who point out that this effect should be investigated more closely in persons who have to work at night. In addition, sleep deprivation may serve as a model system for the development of drugs to treat psychosis.

Taking a short smartphone break improves employee well-being, research finds Posted: 07 Jul 2014 09:13 AM PDT Short smartphone breaks throughout the workday can improve workplace productivity, make employees happier and benefit businesses, a researcher reports. "By interacting with friends or family members through a smartphone or by playing a short game, we found that employees can recover from some of their stress to refresh their minds and take a break," the researcher said.

Teen dating violence cuts both ways: 1 in 6 girls, guys have been aggressors, victims or both Posted: 07 Jul 2014 09:13 AM PDT Dating during the teen years takes a violent turn for nearly 1 in 6 young people, a new study finds, with both genders reporting acts like punching and throwing things. The data, drawn from a survey of over 4,000 patients ages 14 to 20, indicate that dating violence is common & affects both genders.

Low-cost TB test means quicker, more reliable diagnosis for patients Posted: 07 Jul 2014 07:37 AM PDT A new test for tuberculosis could dramatically improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis for one of the world's deadliest diseases, enabling health care providers to report results to patients within minutes, according to a study. Although preventable, TB claims three lives every minute, making it the second leading cause of mortality from an infectious disease in the world.

Important piece in brain tumor puzzle found by scientists Posted: 07 Jul 2014 07:36 AM PDT A member of the protein family known as SUMO -- small ubiquitin-like modifier -- is a key to why tumor cells multiply uncontrollably, especially in the case of glioblastoma, scientists have discovered. Glioblastoma is the most common and lethal brain cancer. Current standard treatments include surgical resection, adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite the treatments, patients survive about a year and half. The cancer continues growing in part due to the presence of the cancer stem cells.

High-quality gene catalog of human gut microbiome created Posted: 07 Jul 2014 07:36 AM PDT A high-quality gene catalog of human gut microbiome has been developed by researchers, a key to understanding human health and diseases. While the roughly 20,000 genes in the human genome have been available for over a decade, the gene catalog of the microbiome, our much larger "other genome," has to date been much more poorly understood and characterized.

College athletes with abusive coaches more willing to cheat Posted: 07 Jul 2014 07:34 AM PDT College athletes who have abusive coaches are more willing to cheat in order to win than players with more ethical coaches, according to new research based on surveys from almost 20,000 student athletes at more than 600 colleges across the country. Men's teams were much more willing to cheat than women's teams, according to the study, and men's football, basketball and baseball teams reported the highest willingness to cheat at large universities where players are often under intense pressure to win.

Viruses use 'fake' proteins to hide in our cells Posted: 07 Jul 2014 06:27 AM PDT Some viruses can hide in our bodies for decades and make 'fake' human proteins that trick our immune cells into believing nothing is wrong. Now researchers have determined the basic structure of one of the two known families of these deceptive proteins.

Babies born to healthy moms worldwide are strikingly similar in size Posted: 07 Jul 2014 06:27 AM PDT Babies' growth in the womb and their size at birth, especially their length, are strikingly similar the world over -- when babies are born to healthy, well-educated and well-nourished mothers. That is the finding of a large study that involved almost 60,000 pregnancies in eight defined urban areas in Brazil, China, India, Italy, Kenya, Oman, the UK and USA.

Blocking cells' movement to stop spread of cancer Posted: 07 Jul 2014 06:26 AM PDT Insights into how cells move through the body could lead to innovative techniques to stop cancer cells from spreading and causing secondary tumors, finds new research. Scientists discovered that cells can change into an invasive, liquid-like state to readily navigate the narrow channels in our body. This transformation is triggered by chemical signals, which could be blocked in order to stop cancer cells from spreading.

How two simple questions could help GPs identify patients with drinking problems Posted: 07 Jul 2014 06:24 AM PDT Alcohol problems are often undetected in primary care but by asking two simple questions, GPs could quickly uncover which patients have drinking problems -- including patients who would otherwise remain undetected -- according to new research.

Revolutionary approach to studying intestinal microbiota Posted: 07 Jul 2014 06:24 AM PDT Analyzing the global genome, or the metagenome of the intestinal microbiota, has taken a turn, thanks to a new approach to study developed by an international research team. This method markedly simplifies microbiome analysis and renders it more powerful. The scientists have thus been able to sequence and assemble the complete genome of 238 intestinal bacteria, 75% of which were previously unknown.

DNA origami nano-tool provides important clue to cancer Posted: 07 Jul 2014 06:24 AM PDT Researchers have headed a study that provides new knowledge about the EphA2 receptor, which is significant in several forms of cancer. This is important knowledge in itself – but just as important is how this study was conducted. The researchers used the method of DNA origami, in which a DNA molecule is shaped into a nanostructure, and used these structures to test theories about cell signalling.

Animal vaccines should guide malaria research, experts say Posted: 07 Jul 2014 06:23 AM PDT Research into vaccines for malaria in humans should be guided by the success shown in producing effective vaccines for malaria-like diseases in animals, according to a research study. A veterinarian and disease researcher says there are many effective vaccines for diseases in animals caused by close relatives of the parasites that cause malaria (called protozoans). "In contrast, there are no vaccines available for malaria or any other protozoal disease of humans - despite great need and considerable effort," he says.

18% of high school seniors smoke hookah, researchers find Posted: 07 Jul 2014 06:23 AM PDT While cigarette use is declining precipitously among youth, evidence indicates that American adolescents are turning to ethnically linked alternative tobacco products, such as hookahs, cigars, and various smokeless tobacco products, according to a recent report. A new study identifies how prevalent Hookah use is and which teens are most likely to be using it.

'Unloved' pseudogenes may provide clearer understanding of biomarkers Posted: 07 Jul 2014 06:23 AM PDT Pseudogenes: dysfunctional, unloved and seemingly of little use, these poor-cousin relatives of genes have lost their protein-coding abilities. They contain material not essential for an organism's survival and are the "last stop" for removal of genomic waste. Now, however, the science of pseudogene expression analysis may very well play a key role in explaining how cancer occurs by helping medical experts in the discovery of new biomarkers, researchers report.

Sutures or staples? Best choice for C-section Posted: 07 Jul 2014 06:23 AM PDT Settling a long-time debate, researchers show that sewing up a C-section skin incision with sutures leads to fewer complications than using surgical staples. Cesarean sections account for about a third of all deliveries in the United States (in China that number is as high as 46 percent). A 2013 study showed that over 50 percent of doctors prefer to use staples over sutures, for ease of use, speed of the procedure, and for closing deeper incisions such as those in overweight women.

'Nanojuice' could improve how doctors examine the gut Posted: 06 Jul 2014 12:33 PM PDT A new imaging technique involving nanoparticles suspended in liquid to form 'nanojuice' that patients would drink holds promise for the examination of the gut. Upon reaching the small intestine, doctors would strike the nanoparticles with a harmless laser light, providing an unparalleled, non-invasive, real-time view of the organ.

New knowledge about intestines uncovered: microorganisms, bacterial viruses in intestinal flora identified Posted: 06 Jul 2014 12:33 PM PDT Researchers have identified and mapped 500 previously unknown microorganisms and more than 800 bacterial viruses in our intestinal flora. A discovery which -- in the long term -- can replace antimicrobial agents and perhaps improve treatment and prevention of, e.g., type 2 diabetes, asthma and certain intestinal disorders.

Global toolkit to diagnose menopause Posted: 06 Jul 2014 12:33 PM PDT A free and simple toolkit for GPs could revolutionize menopause diagnosis and treatment. Thought to be the first of its kind, researchers say the toolkit has the potential to help manage menopausal conditions for women globally.

Novel protein complex with potential to combat gastric cancer caused by bacterial infection found by researchers Posted: 06 Jul 2014 12:32 PM PDT A protein named IL23A is part of our stomach's defense against bacterial infection which leads to gastric cancer, researchers have discovered. This finding could potentially be used to combat the deadly disease. Every year, some 740,000 people die from gastric cancer globally.

Cheaper drugs for common heart attack procedure could improve outcomes, save health budgets millions Posted: 05 Jul 2014 11:01 AM PDT A new study compares outcomes for two drugs used to prevent blood clot formation during emergency heart attack treatment. The study suggests that use of one of the drugs, heparin, could result in improved outcomes (such as a reduced  rate of repeat heart attacks), compared to the other drug tested, bivalirudin, which is in widespread use in high-income countries, and is around 400 times more expensive than heparin.

Sierra Leone researchers call for improved health surveillance, communication around Ebola crisis Posted: 05 Jul 2014 11:00 AM PDT Researchers working in Sierra Leone suggest priority actions needed to tackle the ongoing Ebola crisis in West Africa. They call for improvements in access to diagnostic technologies and health-care resources, as well as improved disease surveillance and health communication.

Chip developed for rapid detection of dengue fever Posted: 05 Jul 2014 11:00 AM PDT A chip (also known as cDNA microarray) has been developed that allows detection of the RNA strand of the dengue fever virus. The genetic information contained in this scientific tool pinpoints the exact serotype of malaria that an infected person or mosquito is carrying.

Headbanging: Doctors highlight potential dangers at hardcore rock 'n' roll acts Posted: 04 Jul 2014 10:48 AM PDT German doctors highlight the potential dangers surrounding headbanging. Authors detail the case of a man who developed a chronic subdural haematoma after headbanging at a Motörhead concert. "This case serves as evidence in support of Motörhead's reputation as one of the most hardcore rock'n'roll acts on earth, if nothing else because of their music's contagious speed drive and the hazardous potential for headbanging fans to suffer brain injury," authors conclude.

Burst spinal artery aneurysm linked to Ecstasy use Posted: 04 Jul 2014 10:48 AM PDT Taking the street drug Ecstasy could lead to a potentially fatal weakening and rupture of the spinal cord artery, doctors warn. Posterior spinal artery aneurysms -- a blood-filled swelling of the spinal cord artery, caused by a weakening and distension of the vessel wall -- are rare, with only 12 cases reported to date. But all of them caused spinal bleeding which affected the function of the spinal cord. Doctors discovered one of these aneurysms in a previously healthy teenager who had taken Ecstasy or MDMA.

'Unhealthy' food and drinks have starring role in kids' TV programs, UK study finds Posted: 04 Jul 2014 10:48 AM PDT Unhealthy food and drinks are common in kids' TV programs broadcast in England and Ireland, and frequently portrayed in a positive light, reveals research. Statutory legislation to curb children's exposure to high sugar and fat in food/drink in TV adverts was introduced in the UK in 2007, and similar regulations have recently come on stream in Ireland. But these aren't applied to program content, say the researchers.

High-protein weight loss diets can work, scientists show Posted: 04 Jul 2014 10:48 AM PDT Scientists have shown that instead of counting calories for weight loss, we would do better to boost the protein content of our diet. Nutritional values of foods are typically given in kilojoules or kilocalories, standard units of energy. However, new research on apes and monkeys suggests that this is too simplistic as different macronutrients -- carbohydrates, fats and proteins- interact to regulate appetite and energy intake.

Effects of conflict on women's reproductive health need to be managed sensitively Posted: 04 Jul 2014 10:48 AM PDT Clinicians need to be sensitive and aware of the unique challenges of women's reproductive health needs in times of conflict, suggests a new review. Approximately 1.5 billion people are currently living in countries affected by conflict, fragility or large-scale violence. Women and children account for approximately 75% of those displaced by conflict and roughly 20% of those displaced are women of reproductive age and one in five will be pregnant.

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