ScienceDaily: Top Health News

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• Fear of terror may lead to job burnout over time
• Common human protein linked to adverse parasitic worm infections
• Malassezia yeasts, everywhere and sometimes dangerous
• Scientists explain spread of chikungunya vector
• Deworming programs in animal, human populations may have unwanted impacts
• Neuroprosthetics for paralysis: Biocompatible, flexible implant slips into the spinal cord
• Solving a case of intercellular entrapment
• Eliminating ACA subsidies would cause nearly 10 million to lose insurance, study finds
• New algorithm will allow better heart surgery, experts say
• Exposure to nanoparticles may threaten heart health
• Nasal spray with insulin equivalent shows promise as treatment for adults with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s dementia
• Functional tissue-engineered intestine grown from human cells
• Rihanna's music eases kids' pain after surgery
• Requirements of implementing next generation science standards
• Smoking, alcohol, gene variant interact to increase risk of chronic pancreatitis
• Practice really does make perfect
• To trigger energy-burning brown fat, just chill
• Facial motion activates a dedicated network within the brain
• Monkeys can learn to see themselves in the mirror
• Alcohol warnings from parents matter
• Could gut microbes help treat brain disorders? Mounting research tightens their connection with the brain
• Newly discovered antibiotic kills pathogens without resistance
• Best job performance comes from match between first, later work experiences
• Albiglutide in type 2 diabetes: Hint of minor added benefit
• Sipuleucel-T in prostate cancer: Added benefit is not proven
• Added benefit of idelalisib is not proven
• Huntington's disease: Therapeutic potential of triheptanoin confirmed
• Focusing on lasting legacy prompts environmental action
• T cell receptor ensures Treg functionality
• Mapping snake venom variety reveals unexpected evolutionary pattern
• Blood vessel lining cells control metastasis, research shows
• Blueberries may help reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness
• New recommendations for return to activity after concussion in military personnel
• All in a good night's sleep: How quality of sleep impacts academic performance in children
• Wearable tracking devices alone won't drive health behavior change, according to researchers
• Breathing in diesel exhaust leads to changes 'deep under the hood'
• Ethnic discrimination and health: Direct link found
• Nutrition intervention leads to dietary behavior changes in Latina breast cancer survivors
• Study suggests worsening trends in headache management
• Suitcase laboratory developed for rapid detection of the Ebola virus
• New recommendation for cervical cancer screening, using HPV test alone
• New study findings help physicians and patients determine prostate cancer risk
• Mind-body connection not a one-way street

Fear of terror may lead to job burnout over time Posted: 08 Jan 2015 11:48 AM PST The direct link between terrorism and increased incidence of job burnout over time has been addressed for the first time in a new study. The research examines how the fear of terrorism can lead to insomnia, a major player in job burnout, which is the state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. The study suggests that fear of terror should be considered as a major job stressor.

Common human protein linked to adverse parasitic worm infections Posted: 08 Jan 2015 11:47 AM PST Worm infections represent a major global public health problem, leading to a variety of debilitating diseases and conditions. Scientists have made a discovery that could lead to more effective diagnostic and treatment strategies for worm infections and their symptoms. The researchers found that resistin, an immune protein commonly found in human serum, instigates an inappropriate inflammatory response to worm infections, impairing the clearance of the worm.

Malassezia yeasts, everywhere and sometimes dangerous Posted: 08 Jan 2015 11:47 AM PST Malassezia yeasts have been found in human dandruff, deep-sea vents, and pretty much everywhere in between. The skin of most if not all warm-blooded animals is covered with these microbes, and while they mostly live in peaceful co-existence with their hosts, they can cause serious diseases in humans and other animals.

Scientists explain spread of chikungunya vector Posted: 08 Jan 2015 11:47 AM PST The tropical disease chikungunya began twisting Western tongues in July when the first locally transmitted case was reported in Florida. Spotted in the Caribbean just last year, the disease spread explosively throughout the Americas in 2014. Chikungunya's arrival in Panama prompted Smithsonian scientists to examine how human activity spreads its mosquito vector and the serious implications this has for disease ecology everywhere.

Deworming programs in animal, human populations may have unwanted impacts Posted: 08 Jan 2015 11:47 AM PST A study of the effects of worming medications on infectious disease in wildlife herds showed an unexpected and alarming result -- it helped reduce individual deaths from a bovine tuberculosis infection, but hugely increased the potential for spread of the disease to other animals. The findings suggest that some treatments may increase problems with diseases they were meant to reduce.

Neuroprosthetics for paralysis: Biocompatible, flexible implant slips into the spinal cord Posted: 08 Jan 2015 11:47 AM PST New therapies are on the horizon for individuals paralyzed following spinal cord injury. The e-Dura implant can be applied directly to the spinal cord without causing damage and inflammation, scientists report.

Solving a case of intercellular entrapment Posted: 08 Jan 2015 11:14 AM PST Optogenetics, which uses light to control cellular events, is poised to become an important technology in molecular biology and beyond. Now researchers report that they have made a major contribution to this emergent field by developing a light-activated nanocarrier that transports proteins into cells and releases them on command.

Eliminating ACA subsidies would cause nearly 10 million to lose insurance, study finds Posted: 08 Jan 2015 11:14 AM PST The US. Supreme Court has agreed to decide a case this year that challenges whether it is legal to offer subsidies to low- and moderate-income people who purchase coverage through federally run health insurance marketplaces. A new study finds that ending those subsidies would sharply boost costs and reduce enrollment in the individual market by more than 9.6 million.

New algorithm will allow better heart surgery, experts say Posted: 08 Jan 2015 11:14 AM PST A new technique to help surgeons find the exact location of heart defects could save lives, help them to treat patients more effectively and save health service cash, scientists report. Their development will allow non-invasive detection of the origin of heart problems and allow more effective treatment, they say.

Exposure to nanoparticles may threaten heart health Posted: 08 Jan 2015 11:13 AM PST While nanotechnology has led to countless advancements, a group of researchers is now raising a flag of caution about its effects on our health. They say exposure to tiny silica-based particles can play a big role in increasing heart attack and stroke risks.

Nasal spray with insulin equivalent shows promise as treatment for adults with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s dementia Posted: 08 Jan 2015 11:13 AM PST A human-made form of insulin delivered by nasal spray may improve working memory and other mental capabilities in adults with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease dementia, according to a pilot study. The researchers also sought to determine if the insulin detemir doses would cause any negative side effects, and found only minor adverse reactions among the subjects.

Functional tissue-engineered intestine grown from human cells Posted: 08 Jan 2015 11:13 AM PST Tissue-engineered small intestine grown from human cells replicates key aspects of a functioning human intestine, researchers have demonstrated. The work brings surgeons one step closer to helping human patients using this regenerative medicine technique.

Rihanna's music eases kids' pain after surgery Posted: 08 Jan 2015 10:01 AM PST Pediatric patients who listened to 30 minutes of songs by Rihanna, Taylor Swift and other singers of their choosing -- or audio books -- had a significant reduction in pain after major surgery, according to a new study. Audio therapy avoids risky side effects of opioid drugs, which can cause breathing problems in children. Because caregivers usually limit the amount of opiods prescribed, children's pain can sometimes be not well controlled.

Requirements of implementing next generation science standards Posted: 08 Jan 2015 10:01 AM PST A new report offers guidance to district and school leaders and teachers on necessary steps for putting the Next Generation Science Standards into practice over the next decade and beyond.

Smoking, alcohol, gene variant interact to increase risk of chronic pancreatitis Posted: 08 Jan 2015 10:00 AM PST Genetic mutations may link smoking and alcohol consumption to destruction of the pancreas observed in chronic pancreatitis, according to a 12-year study. The findings provides insight into why some people develop this painful and debilitating inflammatory condition while most heavy smokers or drinkers do not appear to suffer any problems with it.

Practice really does make perfect Posted: 08 Jan 2015 10:00 AM PST New research into the way in which we learn new skills finds that a single skill can be learned faster if its follow-through motion is consistent, but multiple skills can be learned simultaneously if the follow-through motion is varied.

To trigger energy-burning brown fat, just chill Posted: 08 Jan 2015 10:00 AM PST Researchers found that exposure to cold increases levels of a newly discovered protein that is critical for the formation of brown fat, the type of fat in our bodies that burns energy and generates heat. Mice with increased levels of this protein gained less weight than control mice after a month of eating a high-fat diet.

Facial motion activates a dedicated network within the brain Posted: 08 Jan 2015 10:00 AM PST Like humans, rhesus macaque monkeys have a network of small areas within their brains that respond to images of faces. But it hasn't been clear if these same areas in the monkey's brain are responsible for processing changing expressions and other facial movements. New research confirms that they are.

Monkeys can learn to see themselves in the mirror Posted: 08 Jan 2015 10:00 AM PST Unlike humans and great apes, rhesus monkeys don't realize when they look in a mirror that it is their own face looking back at them. But, according to a new report, that doesn't mean they can't learn. What's more, once rhesus monkeys in the study developed mirror self-recognition, they continued to use mirrors spontaneously to explore parts of their bodies they normally don't see.

Alcohol warnings from parents matter Posted: 08 Jan 2015 09:59 AM PST Parenting practices and restrictions when it comes to alcohol use can make a difference with adolescent drinking, and there is considerable value to consistent and sustained parental attitudes about drinking, according to new research.

Could gut microbes help treat brain disorders? Mounting research tightens their connection with the brain Posted: 08 Jan 2015 09:59 AM PST The community of microbes that inhabits the body, known as the microbiome, has a powerful influence on the brain and may offer a pathway to new therapies for psychiatric and neurological disorders, according to researchers.

Newly discovered antibiotic kills pathogens without resistance Posted: 08 Jan 2015 09:48 AM PST For years, pathogens' resis­tance to antibi­otics has put them one step ahead of researchers, which is causing a public health crisis. But now scientists have discovered a new antibi­otic that elim­i­nates pathogens without encoun­tering any detectable resistance -- a finding that chal­lenges long-held sci­en­tific beliefs and holds great promise for treating chronic infec­tions like tuber­cu­losis and those caused by MRSA.

Best job performance comes from match between first, later work experiences Posted: 08 Jan 2015 08:38 AM PST What's better for an employee's long-term success: starting off at a company when the good times are rolling? Or, when money is tight? The answer may be neither, says a new paper. What really makes a difference is how closely the economic environment an employee lands in initially aligns with the one they end up working in later.

Albiglutide in type 2 diabetes: Hint of minor added benefit Posted: 08 Jan 2015 08:38 AM PST Study data for a combination with metformin show a hint of a minor added benefit because symptomatic hypoglycemia occurs less frequently, experts report after an investigation.

Sipuleucel-T in prostate cancer: Added benefit is not proven Posted: 08 Jan 2015 08:38 AM PST Evaluators report that data on survival were not evaluable because group differences might have been caused by the circumstances of the subsequent therapies when reviewing the potential added benefit of Sipulecuel-T. Certain side effects such as fever were found to be more frequent.

Added benefit of idelalisib is not proven Posted: 08 Jan 2015 08:38 AM PST The drug manufacturer presented no suitable data to evaluators for the therapeutic indication chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or for refractory follicular lymphoma.

Huntington's disease: Therapeutic potential of triheptanoin confirmed Posted: 08 Jan 2015 08:38 AM PST The therapeutic potential of triheptanoin in 10 patients with Huntington's disease has been demonstrated by researchers. Huntington's disease is a genetic disease; mutation of the gene encoding the huntingtin protein results in a progressive degeneration of the neurons, especially in regions of the brain involved in the control of movement, thereby causing serious neurological, motor, cognitive and psychiatric problems. Weight loss is also observed in patients at an early stage in the disease, despite normal or even increased food intake. These two observations (degeneration of neurons and loss of weight) led the researchers to propose the hypothesis that an energy deficit in these patients might play an important role in the onset and progression of the disease symptoms.

Focusing on lasting legacy prompts environmental action Posted: 08 Jan 2015 08:37 AM PST Prompting people to think about the legacy they want to leave for future generations can boost their desire and intention to take action on climate change, according to new research.

T cell receptor ensures Treg functionality Posted: 08 Jan 2015 08:37 AM PST Misdirected immune responses that target the body's own tissue can result in diseases. Regulatory T cells combat this effect by suppressing excessive immune responses and responses against our own bodies. Until now, scientists had been aware of two molecular properties of regulatory T cells that control these functions. Now researchers have shown that signals emitted by T cell receptor on the regulartory T cells' surface are also essential for their identity and suppressive functions.

Mapping snake venom variety reveals unexpected evolutionary pattern Posted: 08 Jan 2015 08:37 AM PST Venom from an eastern diamondback rattlesnake in the Everglades is distinct from the cocktail of toxins delivered by the same species in the Florida panhandle area, some 500 miles away. But no matter where you go in the Southeastern United States, the venom of the eastern coral snake is always the same. The results challenge common assumptions in venom evolution research, provide crucial information for rattlesnake conservation, and will help coral snake antivenom development.

Blood vessel lining cells control metastasis, research shows Posted: 08 Jan 2015 08:37 AM PST An innovative combination therapy against metastases is under development. Researchers treated mice with a combination of a low-dose metronomic chemotherapy and an antibody against Ang-2, a regulatory protein of the blood vessel lining cells. The treated animals had significantly less metastases.

Blueberries may help reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness Posted: 08 Jan 2015 08:35 AM PST Just one cup of blueberries per day could be the key to reducing blood pressure and arterial stiffness, both of which are associated with cardiovascular disease.

New recommendations for return to activity after concussion in military personnel Posted: 08 Jan 2015 08:35 AM PST Military service members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), or concussion, should follow a six-step process of progressive activity, leading to return to active duty, according to new clinical recommendations by an expert panel.

All in a good night's sleep: How quality of sleep impacts academic performance in children Posted: 08 Jan 2015 08:35 AM PST A good night's sleep is linked to better performance by schoolchildren in math and languages -- subjects that are powerful predictors of later learning and academic success, according to a study. The researchers reported that "sleep efficiency" is associated with higher academic performance in those key subjects. Sleep efficiency is a gauge of sleep quality that compares the amount of actual sleep time with the total time spent in bed.

Wearable tracking devices alone won't drive health behavior change, according to researchers Posted: 08 Jan 2015 08:35 AM PST New Year's weight loss resolutions are in full swing, but despite all the hype about the latest wearable tracking devices, there's little evidence that this technology alone can change behavior and improve health for those that need it most, according to a new research.

Breathing in diesel exhaust leads to changes 'deep under the hood' Posted: 08 Jan 2015 07:07 AM PST Diesel exhaust switches some genes on, while switching others off, by altering the methylation of DNA, scientists say.

Ethnic discrimination and health: Direct link found Posted: 08 Jan 2015 05:49 AM PST Women who experience racial discrimination while pregnant suffer significant health impacts that are passed on to their infants, new research has found.

Nutrition intervention leads to dietary behavior changes in Latina breast cancer survivors Posted: 08 Jan 2015 05:48 AM PST An intervention designed to provide Latina breast cancer survivors with the knowledge and skills needed to change and sustain dietary behaviors helps survivors adhere to recommended guidelines to eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables. Using a culturally based hands-on educational approach, the program is geared toward Latina breast cancer survivors whose are at higher risk of high obesity rates, low physical activity rates, and poorer access to quality healthcare.

Study suggests worsening trends in headache management Posted: 08 Jan 2015 05:48 AM PST Each year more than 12 million Americans visit their doctors complaining of headaches, which result in lost productivity and costs of upward of $31 billion annually. A new study suggests some of that cost could be offset by physicians ordering fewer tests and an increased focus on counseling about lifestyle changes.

Suitcase laboratory developed for rapid detection of the Ebola virus Posted: 08 Jan 2015 05:44 AM PST No electricity, no reliable cold chain, no diagnostic equipment available -- scientists in field laboratories who diagnose and deal with Ebola infections often work under challenging conditions. Researchers have now developed Diagnostics-in-a-Suitcase, which contains all reagents and equipment to detect the Ebola virus within 15 minutes at point-of-need. They report that the new method is 6 to 10 times faster than the current techniques with equal sensitivity.

New recommendation for cervical cancer screening, using HPV test alone Posted: 08 Jan 2015 05:37 AM PST HPV testing alone is an effective alternative to current cervical cancer screening methods that use a Pap smear, or Pap smear-plus HPV test, according to new new interim guidance written by a group of cervical cancer screening experts.

New study findings help physicians and patients determine prostate cancer risk Posted: 08 Jan 2015 05:37 AM PST Looking at whether a man's uncles and great-grandparents, among other second- and third-degree relatives, had prostate cancer could be as important as looking at whether his father had prostate cancer. A more complete family history would give physicians a new tool to decide whether or not a PSA test was appropriate, experts say.

Mind-body connection not a one-way street Posted: 07 Jan 2015 12:07 PM PST We usually think our mind is in control and telling our body what to do. But there is a lot of scientific evidence that shows the chatter between mind and body goes two ways, and the body is an integral part of how we think. In a new book, one expert provides the latest scientific evidence about the body's influence on our psyche, drawing on work from her own laboratory and from colleagues around the world.

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