ScienceDaily: Top Health News

Immune cells produce chemical messenger that prevents heart disease–related inflammation

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 03:54 PM PDT

In the bone marrow, B cells produce a chemical messenger called acetylcholine that prevents inflammation in the heart and blood vessels by blocking white blood cell production. Tapping into this process may help scientists target inflammation in cardiovascular conditions.

Universal flu vaccine candidate

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 03:53 PM PDT

Scientists have leveraged on a novel vaccine platform to deliver M2e to immune cells. This allowed them to prove that a single shot immunization containing M2e was able to trigger long-lasting immune responses that could protect effectively against multiple strains of the flu. The team was also able to demonstrate that this vaccination approach significantly enhanced protective immune responses in the context of pre-existing flu immunity. This scenario is particularly relevant in adult and elderly populations, where individuals have been exposed to flu viruses multiple times in the past and have low levels of M2e-specific antibodies in their blood circulation.

'An underutilized tool:' UV-LED lights can kill coronaviruses and HIV with the flip of a switch, study finds

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 12:28 PM PDT

The same light bulbs used in offices and public spaces can destroy coronaviruses and HIV, according to a new study.

Researchers identify key complex for ribosome generation

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:25 AM PDT

Researchers have identified a four-protein complex that appears to play a key role in generating ribosomes -- organelles that serve as protein factories for cells -- as well as a surprising part in neurodevelopmental disorders. The findings could lead to new ways to manipulate ribosome production, which could impact a variety of conditions that affect human health.

Head-mounted microscope reaches deeper into mouse brains

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:25 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a miniature microscope that is designed for high-resolution 3D images inside the brains of living mice. The new, lightweight design could help scientists understand how brain cells operate by imaging deeper into the brain than previously possible with miniature widefield microscopes.

Roundworms’ egg cells have a backup plan

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:25 AM PDT

Researchers discovered a previously unknown mechanism in roundworms that protects their egg cells from division errors. Uncovering and understanding this hidden mechanism could ultimately lead to new strategies for combating infertility in humans.

Prior COVID-19 infection linked to robust, accelerated immune response after first vaccine dose, researchers report

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:25 AM PDT

Scientists show that responses to the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine differ significantly in individuals based on whether or not they were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. Notably, those who had COVID before vaccination experienced rapid antibody production after the first vaccine dose, with little or no increase after the second dose. The opposite pattern was observed in infection-naive individuals.

Study finds 10-second videos predict blood cancer relapse

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 11:25 AM PDT

Ten-second videos of white blood cell motion in the skin's microvasculature greatly improved the prediction of which stem cell and bone marrow transplant patients would have a relapse of their blood cancer.

How accelerated biological aging may cause bowel cancer

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

Scientists have shown how accelerated biological aging measured by an epigenetic clock may increase the risk of bowel cancer, according to a new report.

Sensor for faster, more accurate COVID-19 tests

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

Researchers say the sensor combines accuracy levels approaching that of PCR testing with the speed of rapid antigen tests, and could be used for mass testing at airports, schools, and hospitals.

Newly discovered drug candidate increased insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered increased levels of of a microRNA in type 2 diabetes, which has a negative effect on insulin secretion. Their experiments on human insulin producing cells in the pancreas also demonstrates that it is possible to increase the insulin secretion by reducing the levels of this microRNA. An important goal of the research is to develop new treatments for people with the disease.

Treatment for substance use reduces depression for many adolescents and young adults with both problems

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

A new study reports that, among youth with substance use and depression, a significant proportion show early improvements in depression during their treatment for substance use. Youth who are using cannabis less frequently prior to treatment and those without conduct disorder are more likely to experience early depression improvement.

Researchers expand target range of CRISPR/Cas Systems

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

Researchers have created a genome editing technology that allows for slight variations in target DNA but retains local specificity, and which could help realize the potential of CRISPR/Cas-based gene therapy and pathogen diagnosis.

Researchers shorten manufacturing time for CAR T cell therapy

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

A new approach could cut the time it takes to alter patients' immune cells for infusion back into the body to find and attack cancer. The cell manufacturing process for this type of immunotherapy that was pioneered at Penn -- CAR T cell therapy -- typically takes nine to 14 days. In a pre-clinical study, scientists have abbreviated this process and generated functional CAR T cells with enhanced anti-tumor potency in just 24 hours.

Promising Alzheimer's drug may also improve memory in Down syndrome and normal aging

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

New research is breaking ground in repurposing an FDA-approved drug as a potential treatment in Down syndrome and normal aging. The results suggest that GM-CSF may improve cognitive function in people with Down syndrome. The drug sargramostim (GM-CSF, which stands for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) is also the first to show memory improvement in Alzheimer's patients in a phase II clinical trial. GM-CSF is a normal human protein that is safe and well-tolerated with over 30 years of FDA-approved use for other disorders.

Lung damage may persist long after COVID-19 pneumonia

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

Some people recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia have CT evidence of damage to their lungs that persists a full year after the onset of symptoms, according to a new study.

AI helps radiologists detect bone fractures

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an effective tool for fracture detection that has potential to aid clinicians in busy emergency departments, according to a new study.

Distinct classes of fibroblasts in tumors play opposing roles, promoting or restraining pancreatic cancer growth

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

Researchers discovered that two distinct classes of fibroblast cells accumulate in pancreatic tumors and play opposing roles to promote and restrain pancreatic cancer growth. Appropriately targeting these cells may offer options to improve treatment outcomes.

Good hydration may reduce long-term risks for heart failure

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:47 AM PDT

Staying well-hydrated may be associated with a reduced risk for developing heart failure. New findings suggest that consuming sufficient amounts of fluids throughout life not only supports essential body functioning but may also reduce the risk of severe heart problems in the future.

Researchers redefine the mechanisms of Dravet syndrome

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:46 AM PDT

Researchers have found that dysfunction in an important cell subtype in the brain's neuronal network contribute to chronic symptoms in the neurodevelopmental disorder Dravet syndrome.

Folding design leads to heart sensor with smaller profile

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 08:46 AM PDT

Researchers want to leverage the centuries-old art of cutting paper, kirigami, into designs to develop a sensor sheet that can stretch and breathe with the skin while collecting electrocardiographic data. Scientists in Japan use cuts in a film made of polyethylene terephthalate printed with silver electrodes to fit a sensor on a person's chest to monitor his or her heart. At the optimal size found, they were able to detect enough signal from the heart to be used in a smartphone app.

Osmotic pressure and viscosity: Anticancer drug efficacy and restricting tumors using LDDS

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 07:00 AM PDT

Chemotherapy is known for its painful side-effects. It also has limitations when the cancer has metastasized to the lymph nodes. The lymphatic drug delivery system, where anticancer drugs are injected directly into the sentinel lymph nodes under ultrasound guidance, offers an alternative to conventional chemotherapy. Researchers have now found the optimal osmotic pressure and viscosity ranges, significantly improving the antitumor effect.

An approach to treating a severe congenital myopathy

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 07:00 AM PDT

The diagnosis is rare, but devastating -- children with congenital muscle disorders often never learn to walk. Until now, there was no chance of recovery, but researchers are now presenting a possible therapeutic approach.

I was here first! This is how hepatitis C inhibits hepatitis E

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:07 AM PDT

Infections with hepatitis C and E are so common that, going only by statistics, many people should be infected with both viruses at the same time. However, only very few such cases have been reported. A research team has a guess as to why this is the case: The researchers found that the viruses inhibit each other when they infect at the same time.

Critical and underutilized: Fire and police responders associated with higher cardiac arrest survival rates

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:07 AM PDT

Police and fire first responders are often first on the scene during an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and a new study finds that their intervention correlates with significantly higher chances of patient survival and hospital discharge with good neurological outcomes. Researchers say non-medical first responders are likely underutilized as lifesaving resources in these cases.

Rehabilitation psychologists: Specialists you may not yet know, but might one day need

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:07 AM PDT

Rehabilitation psychology is a field that focuses on assessing and treating cognitive, emotional and functional difficulties for patients in a rehabilitation setting. In a recent state of the field survey paper, researchers conclude that providers need to communicate the value they bring to organizations through saving costs from decreased hospitalizations, assessing the likelihood of successful interventions and recovery, and more. Authors also call for broad and simultaneous promotion and recruitment in the field.

Pharmacogenetic testing shows promise improving symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:07 AM PDT

Pharmacogenetic testing was associated with nearly a two-fold (89 per cent) increase in remission rates compared to treatment as usual in a recent clinical study.

Potential window for treating ALS identified

Posted: 29 Mar 2022 06:07 AM PDT

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects as many as 30,000 people in the United States, with 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It weakens muscles over time, impacting physical function and ultimately leading to death. There is no single cause for the disease and no known cure. However, researchers have found a possible window of opportunity during ALS treatment to target astrocyte abnormalities.

Researchers use skull CT scans to estimate assigned sex at birth

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:25 AM PDT

Researchers have proposed a method of assigned sex estimation that is 'population-inclusive,' or one that did not inherently rely on any estimation of ancestry (population affinity) by using 3D volume-rendered computed tomography (CT) scans of ancestry skulls to estimate assigned sex at birth.

More older adults getting treated for substance abuse

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:23 AM PDT

The rates of older adults getting treatment for substance abuse rose sharply from 2000-2017, in tandem with the Baby Boom cohort reaching older adulthood.

Evidence of brain changes in those at risk of bipolar disorder captured with MRI scans

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 06:20 AM PDT

A study that showed changes in the brain in those at risk of developing bipolar disorder raises new hopes about early intervention.

Stroke treatments safe and effective for people with existing disability or dementia, study suggests

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 06:00 AM PDT

A research review found that clot-busting therapy and mechanical clot removal to treat ischemic stroke in people with a pre-existing disability or dementia was as safe and effective as in adults without those conditions. These treatments are key to preventing additional disability. A person's pre-existing disabilities or dementia may cloud the stroke assessment process, which may lead to clinicians thinking the stroke is more severe and beyond the window for optimal treatment. This often results in delayed treatment or no treatment. People with a disability or dementia should be included in randomized controlled trials for stroke treatment. Currently, evidence-based stroke treatment data and guidance for people with disability or dementia are extremely limited.