ScienceDaily: Top Health News

Reversing new-onset type 1 diabetes with pyramid-like DNA: Mouse study

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 10:16 AM PST

Usually diagnosed in children, teens and young adults, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-secreting beta-cells in the pancreas. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes can't regulate their blood sugar levels and require insulin treatment for survival. Now, researchers have reversed new-onset type 1 diabetes in mice with pyramid-like DNA molecules called tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs).

Zika virus-specific therapy protects the fetal mouse brain

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 10:16 AM PST

A gene-silencing therapy protected against Zika virus transmission from pregnant mice to the mouse fetuses, finds a new study. The treatment, which harnesses nanoparticles called small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) for drug delivery, crossed the placenta and blood-brain barrier to greatly reduce fetal neurological damage, including virus-induced brain shrinkage.

How do we learn to learn? New research offers an education

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 10:16 AM PST

Cognitive training designed to focus on what's important while ignoring distractions can enhance the brain's information processing, enabling the ability to 'learn to learn,' finds a new study on mice.

Striking difference between neurons of humans and other mammals

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 10:16 AM PST

Human neurons have a lower density of ion channels than expected, compared to neurons of other mammals, according to a new study. The researchers hypothesize that a lower channel density may have helped the human brain evolve to operate more efficiently.

Needle free glucose monitoring a step closer for diabetics

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 10:15 AM PST

A needle-free technology that would allow people with diabetes to measure blood sugar levels without having to stick a needle into their fingertips is a step closer to reality.

Immune system early responder can combat COVID-19

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 10:15 AM PST

A simple RNA molecule jumpstarts the immune system's 'first responders' to viral infection and can even eradicate the SARS-CoV-2 virus in mice with chronic cases of COVID-19, a new study finds.

Mechanisms of drug side effects uncovered

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 10:15 AM PST

Researchers have discovered how drugs can affect various membrane-spanning proteins in addition to their intended target, potentially causing unwanted side effects. The results illuminate one of the central problems of drug discovery and point to new strategies for solving it.

New computer model is a key step toward low-temperature preservation of 3D tissues, organs

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 07:46 AM PST

Medical science is a key step closer to the cryopreservation of brain slices used in neurological research, pancreatic cells for the treatment of diabetes and even whole organs thanks to a new computer model that predicts how tissue's size will change during the preservation process.

Plant-based gummy candy helps vegans and vegetarians get their vitamins

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 07:46 AM PST

Worldwide, millions of people follow vegan and vegetarian diets for religious, ethical, environmental or economic reasons. While these diets have purported health benefits, they can also lack essential nutrients, such as vitamins B12 and D3, if not well-planned or supplemented correctly. Now, researchers have packed a strawberry-flavored gummy with these vitamins, formulating it without any animal products so vegans and vegetarians can reach their recommended daily allowances (RDA).

Baby teeth may one day help identify kids at risk for mental disorders later in life

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 07:46 AM PST

The thickness of growth marks in primary (or 'baby') teeth may help identify children at risk for depression and other mental health disorders later in life, according to a ground-breaking investigation.

How gene mutation boosts cancer risk

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 07:45 AM PST

Scientists have revealed why a mutation in the UTX gene disrupts cells' ability to suppress tumors.

Identifying individual proteins using nanopores and supercomputers

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 07:45 AM PST

The amount and types of proteins our cells produce tell us important details about our health. Researchers have shown that it is possible to identify individual proteins with single-amino acid resolution and nearly 100% accuracy. Their method uses nanopores -- engineered openings that generate an electrical signal when molecules are pulled through by a specific enzyme.

Seizure forecasting with wrist-worn devices possible for people with epilepsy

Posted: 09 Nov 2021 04:33 PM PST

A new study found patterns could be identified in patients who wear a special wristwatch monitoring device for six to 12 months, allowing about 30 minutes of warning before a seizure occurred. This worked well most of the time for five of six patients studied.

Data available for training AI to spot skin cancer are insufficient and lacking in pictures of darker skin

Posted: 09 Nov 2021 04:32 PM PST

The images and accompanying data available for training artificial intelligence (AI) to spot skin cancer are insufficient and include very few images of darker skin, according to new research.