ScienceDaily: Top Health News

‘Frameshifting’ therapy for mast cell cancers reduces size, spread

Posted: 10 Aug 2021 01:13 PM PDT

A potential new treatment for mast cell cancers reduces the number of mast cells by 'mutating' the messenger RNA (mRNA) before it can deliver instructions for manufacturing the gene responsible for cell proliferation. The method, known as frameshifting, changes the pre-mRNA so that the mature mRNA is degraded and any protein produced from its instructions is altered and inert. In a mouse model, frameshifting directed at the c-KIT gene reduced mast cell tumor size and prevented infiltration into other organs.

Atomic nuclei and leptons: Milestone in the calculation of cross sections

Posted: 10 Aug 2021 11:30 AM PDT

A team has succeeded in computing how atomic nuclei of the Calcium element behave in collisions with electrons. Results agree very well with available experimental data. For the first time, a calculation based on a fundamental theory is capable of correctly describing experiments for a nucleus as heavy as Calcium. Of particular relevance is the potential that such calculations could have in the future to interpret neutrino experiments.

Enzyme treatment of skin samples improves microbiome analysis

Posted: 10 Aug 2021 10:08 AM PDT

Healthy skin has a bacterial shield to protect against germs: the microbiome. This complex assembly of microorganisms was previously believed to be difficult to decipher. A team of researchers has now succeeded in using the enzyme benzonase to identify the living bacteria in skin swabs through sequencing. Their method opens up new possibilities for diagnosis and treatment in dermatology.

Researchers discover how to stick sensors to skin without adhesive

Posted: 10 Aug 2021 10:07 AM PDT

Imagine if you could attach something to your skin without needing glue. A biosensor, a watch, a communications device, a fashion accessory -- the possibilities are endless. Thanks to a discovery, that time could be closer than you think.

Through the looking glass: Unravelling how ions move in phosphate glass

Posted: 10 Aug 2021 09:11 AM PDT

Phosphate glasses are expected to have applications in a variety of fields. To improve their functionality, it is necessary to determine the association between their structure and ion diffusion characteristics. Recently, using first-principles molecular dynamic simulations, researchers have provided novel insights into the ion diffusion mechanisms of phosphate glass, suggesting that ionic conductivity and glass solubility can be manipulated by controlling the morphology of the material.

'Why you gotta be so rude?' Study highlights 'vicious cycle' of workplace incivility

Posted: 10 Aug 2021 09:10 AM PDT

Workplace incivility is on the rise, and a new study found that employees who experience or witness incivilities are more likely to be uncivil to others -- a worrying trend that could intensify as people return to in-person work.

Ultraprocessed foods now comprise 2/3 of calories in children and teen diets

Posted: 10 Aug 2021 08:09 AM PDT

Results from two decades of data show ultraprocessed foods have become a larger part of kids' and teens' diets with disparities by race and ethnicity.

Deletion of single gene promotes growth of functional lymphatic valves

Posted: 10 Aug 2021 08:09 AM PDT

A preclinical study unexpectedly identified the gene Foxo1 as a potential treatment target for hereditary lymphedema. Valve loss or dysfunction that disrupts the flow of lymph fluid is strongly associated with lymphedema in patients. But no one has discovered whether new valves can be grown or if defective ones can be fixed. The new study, using a model of human primary lymphedema, shows that both are possible.

Only one human fat cell subtype responds to insulin stimulation

Posted: 10 Aug 2021 08:09 AM PDT

It is well known that fat cells can influence our sensitivity to insulin. Now, researchers have discovered that there are three different subtypes of mature fat cells in white adipose tissue and that it is only one of these, called AdipoPLIN, that responds to insulin. The findings may be relevant for future treatments of metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes.

Researchers develop real-time lyric generation technology to inspire song writing

Posted: 10 Aug 2021 07:47 AM PDT

Music artists can find inspiration and new creative directions for their song writing with technology.

Beige fat 'indispensable' in protecting the brain from dementia

Posted: 10 Aug 2021 07:46 AM PDT

Beige is considered a calming paint color, and scientists have new evidence that beige fat has a similar impact on the brain, bringing down the inflammation associated with the more common white fat and providing protection from dementia.

Molecular mechanism that mediates a link between fetal conditions and later health

Posted: 10 Aug 2021 07:46 AM PDT

Periconceptional conditions are known to influence the later health of individuals. Fetal growth and development set the framework for future health, but recently it has also been suggested that the individual is epigenetically prepared for the conditions in which he or she will be born. If food or nutrient intake is scarce during pregnancy, the emerging individual seems to be better prepared to absorb energy and nutrients than a similar individual whose developmental conditions have been more favorable.

Cellular filaments keeping the pace

Posted: 10 Aug 2021 07:46 AM PDT

A new model describes the coordination of beating cilia allowing to predict their functional behavior. Researchers analyzed the formation of metachronal waves in arrays of cilia and how external cues might influence them. The model allows to better understand the crucial role that cilia play in many biological processes and lays the foundation for its manipulation. This may ultimately improve the corresponding medical diagnostics and treatments, but also helps in the design of artificial systems used in microscale engineering.

High BMI causes depression – and both physical and social factors play a role

Posted: 09 Aug 2021 11:40 AM PDT

A largescale new study provides further evidence that being overweight causes depression and lowers wellbeing and indicates both social and physical factors may play a role in the effect. With one in four adults estimated to be obese in the UK, and growing numbers of children affected, obesity is a global health challenge. While the dangers of being obese on physical health is well known, researchers are now discovering that being overweight can also have a significant impact on mental health.

Spotting — and hearing — heart attacks before they strike

Posted: 09 Aug 2021 08:28 AM PDT

If heart attacks blared a warning signal, patients would have a better chance of avoiding them. That's the idea behind a new imaging technique.

Physicians are likelier to test for a particular condition if recent patients they saw were diagnosed with the same thing

Posted: 09 Aug 2021 07:04 AM PDT

Emergency department physicians who saw patients with a pulmonary embolism -- a blood clot in the lung -- were about 15% likelier over the next 10 days to test subsequent patients for the same thing.

Non-recommended milk being provided to young children

Posted: 06 Aug 2021 07:44 AM PDT

More than one-third of infant caregivers reported serving at least one non-recommended milk type to their infant in the past month -- most providing them daily -- and the majority of toddler caregivers did not follow expert recommendations to provide only cow's milk to their children, according to a new study.