ScienceDaily: Top Health News

Bacteria are connected to how babies experience fear

Posted: 04 Jun 2021 10:54 AM PDT

Why do some babies react to perceived danger more than others? According to new research part of the answer may be found in a surprising place: an infant's digestive system.

Food scientists aim to make plant-based protein tastier and healthier

Posted: 04 Jun 2021 10:54 AM PDT

As meat-eating continues to increase around the world, food scientists are focusing on ways to create healthier, better-tasting and more sustainable plant-based protein products that mimic meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs.

Heavy water makes biological clocks tick more slowly

Posted: 04 Jun 2021 09:27 AM PDT

Scientists have succeeded in reversibly slowing down cellular processes. A team of biophysicists were able to show in experiments that cells can be transferred into slow motion without changing the temperature. From a physical point of view, such possibilities have so far only been available in the context of the theory of relativity.

Self-excising designer proteins report isoform expression

Posted: 04 Jun 2021 09:27 AM PDT

Our proteome is much bigger than our genome because one gene produces several variants of proteins called protein isoforms, whose disbalance is implicated in many diseases. A new bioengineered reporter system now allows for the first time to follow protein isoform expression over time in live cells. The method helps to decipher the underlying regulatory mechanisms and enables screening for potential molecular interventions.

A missing antibody molecule may indicate when dengue will become deadly

Posted: 04 Jun 2021 09:27 AM PDT

The antibody's altered structure helps explain an enduring mystery of dengue -- why only a fraction of those infected will develop severe disease.

New findings offer improved therapy of early-stage, BRCA mutation-associated breast cancer

Posted: 04 Jun 2021 09:27 AM PDT

A new treatment has potential to improve the outcomes for patients with hereditary BRCA mutations and high-risk, early-stage breast cancer. These results represent the first time a PARP inhibitor has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer returning in high-risk patients following completion of standard chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.

Giving brown fat a boost to fight type 2 diabetes

Posted: 04 Jun 2021 09:24 AM PDT

Increasing a protein concentrated in brown fat appears to lower blood sugar, promote insulin sensitivity, and protect against fatty liver disease by remodeling white fat to a healthier state, a new study suggests. The finding could eventually lead to new solutions for patients with diabetes and related conditions.

MLB 'FEVER' -- improved elbow MRI view for Major League Baseball pitchers

Posted: 04 Jun 2021 09:24 AM PDT

According to a pilot study, the flexed elbow valgus external rotation (FEVER) view can improve MRI evaluation of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in Major League Baseball pitchers. The increased joint space width confirms elbow valgus stress with FEVER view. Diagnostic confidence increased, and additional UCLs were identified as abnormal.

Novel antibody drug wakes up the body's defense system in advanced-stage cancer

Posted: 03 Jun 2021 02:13 PM PDT

Researchers have shown that the antibody treatment reactivates the immune defense in patients with advanced-stage cancer. The treatment alters the function of the body's phagocytes and facilitates extensive activation of the immune system.

Is elevated level of lung protein an early predictor for COPD?

Posted: 03 Jun 2021 02:13 PM PDT

Researcher had previously discovered that the total mucin concentrations in the lungs are associated with COPD disease progression and could be used as diagnostic markers of chronic bronchitis, a hallmark condition for patients with COPD. They now report that one of these mucins, MUC5AC, is more closely and reliably associated with the development of COPD than is its brother, MUC5B.

New study further advances the treatment of chronic pain

Posted: 03 Jun 2021 02:13 PM PDT

Scientists have demonstrated that conolidine, a natural painkiller derived from the pinwheel flower and traditionally used in Chinese medicine, interacts with the newly identified opioid receptor ACKR3/CXCR7 that regulates opioid peptides naturally produced in the brain. The researchers also developed a synthetic analogue of conolidine, RTI-5152-12, which displays an even greater activity on the receptor.

Age doesn't affect perception of 'speech-to-song illusion'

Posted: 03 Jun 2021 02:12 PM PDT

Researchers examined if the speech-to-song illusion happens in adults who are 55 or older as powerfully as it does with younger people.

Researchers reveal the inner workings of a viral DNA-packaging motor

Posted: 03 Jun 2021 02:12 PM PDT

Researchers have discovered the detailed inner workings of the molecular motor that packages genetic material into double-stranded DNA viruses. The advance provides insight into a critical step in the reproduction cycle of viruses such as pox-, herpes- and adeno-viruses. It could also give inspiration to researchers creating microscopic machines based on naturally occurring biomotors.

A better way to introduce digital tech in the workplace

Posted: 03 Jun 2021 02:12 PM PDT

After a detailed study of digital technology in a hospital, researchers find that experimenting with the technology, and then working to implement the best practices through coordinated governance, can help organizations better integrate technology in the workplace.

AI outperforms humans in creating cancer treatments, but do doctors trust it?

Posted: 03 Jun 2021 08:19 AM PDT

The impact of deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) for radiation cancer therapy in a real-world clinical setting has been tested by researchers in a unique study involving physicians and their patients.

Antibiotics no help for mysterious lung-scarring disease, large trial finds

Posted: 02 Jun 2021 06:14 AM PDT

The findings dash hopes that antimicrobials would benefit patients with life-threatening idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The trial, however, will still benefit the battle against the deadly lung disease, the researchers say.

Novel therapy for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus

Posted: 01 Jun 2021 01:51 PM PDT

Scientists have developed and tested an antibody-based therapy to treat Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), which is carried by ticks and kills up to 60 percent of those infected.

Chip inserted under the skin may better identify patients at risk of recurrent stroke

Posted: 01 Jun 2021 12:20 PM PDT

A small chip inserted under the skin can monitor patients after common forms of stroke to predict those at high risk of a recurrent stroke. The chip may help physicians identify patients who could benefit from stroke prevention therapies.