ScienceDaily: Top Health News

Omicron 'less severe' than Delta for children ages 4 and younger, study suggests

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 03:29 PM PDT

New research suggests that the children younger than age 5 who are infected with the COVID-19 Omicron variant have less risk of severe health outcomes than those infected with the Delta variant.

New research shows survival rate improvement for extremely pre-term infants

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 01:05 PM PDT

A study conducted at 19 medical centers from 2013-2018 found that the survival rate of babies born at 22 weeks (30%) and 23 weeks (55.8%) had increased significantly compared to the same study conducted from 2008-2013, in which only 7% of babies born at 22 weeks and 32% born at 23 weeks survived.

CRISPR and HIV: New technique in human blood unveils potential paths toward cure

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 01:05 PM PDT

Gene editing used to discover human proteins hijacked by HIV to replicate in blood • By better understanding how the virus replicates, treatments could one day become cures • 'This new assay is the most faithful representation of what's happening in the body during HIV infection that we could easily study in the lab,' researcher says • Over half the genes identified in the study had never been looked at in the context of HIV infection

Pandemic's urgency drove new collaborative approaches worldwide

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 11:13 AM PDT

In a new paper, nearly 130 authors from institutions around the world describe their groundbreaking collaborative work, 'Defining the risk of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection.'

Are 'person' or 'people' gender-neutral concepts? New study finds male tilt in analysis of billions of words

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 11:13 AM PDT

The concept of a 'person' or 'people' is, despite its definition, not gender-neutral when it comes to how we use these terms. In fact, we tend to prioritize men when referring to people in general, shows a new study by a team of psychology and linguistics researchers.

Drenching rains to pose greater threat to fire-damaged areas in West

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 11:13 AM PDT

The western US this century is facing a greatly heightened risk of heavy rains inundating areas recently scarred by wildfires, new research warns. Such events can cause significant destruction, including debris flows, mudslides, and flash floods, because the denuded landscape cannot easily contain the drenching moisture.

Combination of biomarkers can identify common cognitive disease

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:22 AM PDT

In recent years, subcortical small-vessel disease has become an increasingly common cognitive diagnosis. Researchers have now shown that it is possible to identify patients with the disease by combining two biomarkers that are measured in spinal fluid and blood, increasing the potential for both treatment and development of medication.

Can weekly prednisone treat obesity?

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:22 AM PDT

Obese mice that were fed a high-fat diet and that received prednisone one time per week had improved exercise endurance, got stronger, increased their lean body mass and lost weight, reports a new study. The mice also had increased muscle metabolism. The once-weekly prednisone promoted nutrient uptake into the muscles.

Polarized speech: A function of self-persuasion

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:22 AM PDT

A new study finds competitive debaters, randomly assigned a position, persuade themselves to the superiority of their side, even if it falls contrary to their own personal beliefs.

Are COVID-19-linked arrhythmias caused by viral damage to the heart's pacemaker cells?

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:22 AM PDT

The SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect specialized pacemaker cells that maintain the heart's rhythmic beat, setting off a self-destruction process within the cells, according to a preclinical study. The findings offer a possible explanation for the heart arrhythmias that are commonly observed in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

New cell type in human lung has regenerative properties

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:22 AM PDT

A new type of cell that resides deep within human lungs and may play a key role in human lung diseases has been discovered.

Drug use severity in adolescence affects substance use disorder risk in adulthood

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:22 AM PDT

People who reported multiple symptoms consistent with severe substance use disorder at age 18 exhibited two or more of these symptoms in adulthood, according to a new analysis of a nationwide survey in the United States. These individuals were also more likely, as adults, to use and misuse prescription medications, as well as self-treat with opioids, sedatives, or tranquillizers.

Learning from the single cell: A new technique to unravel gene regulation

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:22 AM PDT

How is the activity of genes regulated by the packaging of DNA? To answer this question, researchers developed a technique to measure both gene expression and DNA packaging at the same time.

Half of older adults now die with a dementia diagnosis, up sharply

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:21 AM PDT

Nearly half of all older adults now die with a diagnosis of dementia listed on their medical record, up 36% from two decades ago, a new study shows. But that sharp rise may have more to do with better public awareness, more detailed medical records and Medicare billing practices than an actual rise in the condition, the researchers say.

Medicaid health plan community health workers have positive impact on care

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:21 AM PDT

Community health workers employed by Medicaid health plans can help low-income people who face barriers to care rely less on the emergency room, and more on outpatient care, a new study finds. The CHWs in the study worked with Medicaid participants to make a plan for their health and connect them with social and health care services in their local area. And that may lead to better use of funding, and potentially lower costs, for the Medicaid system over the long run, the researchers say.

Gene linked to hearing in humans also linked to touch in sea anemones

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:21 AM PDT

Investigators have discovered a developmental gene linked to touch in the tentacles of sea anemones as well as hearing in humans. The gene, called pou-iv (pronounced 'pow four'), is important for the development of auditory cells in the human inner ear.

Researchers roll out data on COVID vaccine distribution and waste

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:21 AM PDT

Researchers are rolling out a data set that provides detailed information on COVID-19 vaccine shipments and wastage across the United States, with the goal of spurring new data analysis to improve vaccination efforts in the future.

Shapeshifting volcano virus points to new ways to deliver drugs, vaccines

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:49 AM PDT

A discovery about a shapeshifting virus found in hot volcanic springs could have very useful implications.

3D facial analysis shows biologic basis for gender-affirming surgery

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:49 AM PDT

Gender-affirming facial surgery (GFS) is pursued by transgender individuals who desire facial features that better reflect their gender identity. Until now, there have been few objective guidelines to justify and facilitate effective surgical decision-making for gender-affirming facial surgery. In order to validate surgical decisions for GFS, researchers set out to quantify the effect of sex on adult facial size and shape through an analysis of three-dimensional (3D) facial surface images.

Pandemic lockdowns had severe mental health consequences for women in the developing world

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:48 AM PDT

While potentially crucial to preventing the spread of COVID-19, lockdowns are associated with increased rates of depression and anxiety as well as food insecurity among women in India and other parts of the developing world, according to a new research.

Novel nuclear microRNA is being developed for the treatment of cardiovascular disease

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:48 AM PDT

A novel angiogenic microRNA drug can be a new option for the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. In the study, the researchers describe a novel nuclear acting microRNA.

Improving the targeted treatment of movement disorders

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:48 AM PDT

Recent discoveries may prove vital in improving the treatment of dystonia, a neurological movement disorder. Their findings show that very specific networks in the brain must be stimulated in order to relieve the symptoms seen in different types of dystonia.

Wildfire smoke exposure in early pregnancy affects infant monkey behavior

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:48 AM PDT

Infant monkeys conceived while their mothers were naturally exposed to wildfire smoke show behavioral changes compared to animals conceived days later, according to a new study.

Study sheds light on why immunodeficiency affects only one identical twin

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:48 AM PDT

Scientists have long queried the causes of immune disorders in only one of two identical twins with identical genes. New research has found the answer lies in both alterations in immune cell-cell communication and the epigenome, the host of biological processes that regulate how our genes function.

Study shows COVID-19's lingering impacts on the brain

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:48 AM PDT

Researchers have shown in detail how COVID-19 affects the central nervous system, according to a new study. The findings are the first comprehensive assessment of neuropathology associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in a nonhuman primate model.

Higher blood fats more harmful than first thought

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:48 AM PDT

The increased levels of blood fats in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity are more harmful than previously thought, a new study has found. The research shows they can kill cells, make symptoms more severe, and worsen the illness. Increased fat in the blood has long been known to damage tissues and organs, contributing to the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes.

Burst of accumulated zinc shows how the mineral boosts immune function, suggesting ways to improve health

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 03:53 PM PDT

Zinc's immune-boosting properties are well-established, but scientists haven't known exactly how it works. Scientists now reveal two ways the mineral supports immunity and suggest how it could be used to improve health. Using mice, the team discovered that zinc is needed for the development of disease-fighting immune cells called T cells and prompts regeneration of the thymus, the immune organ that produces T cells.

'We're more alike than we might think'

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 02:08 PM PDT

A study published in advance of World Autism Day suggests we need a more evidence-based approach to neurodiversity.

People born in the 80s not likely to marry their first cohabiting partner

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 12:15 PM PDT

Compared to people born in the 70s, who are almost equally likely to marry or separate from their first cohabiting partners, 80s children are significantly more likely to separate from the first partner they live with, according to researchers.

German and Austrian deer thus far spared SARS-CoV-2 infections, unlike in North America

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 12:15 PM PDT

In North America, SARS-CoV-2 has spread from humans to white-tailed deer. The deer are now considered SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs and may even spill virus back to humans. Scientists have now shown that in Germany and Austria this has not happened as all deer tested were negative for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

Quantum 'shock absorbers' allow perovskite to exhibit superfluorescence at room temperature

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 12:15 PM PDT

Semiconducting perovskites that exhibit superfluorescence at room temperature do so due to built-in thermal 'shock absorbers' which protect dipoles within the material from thermal interference.

Technology has the potential to change the patient-provider relationship

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 12:15 PM PDT

As personal health records (AKA patient portals) allowing patients to see test results, medications and other health information gain in popularity, scientists studied cancer patients' and doctors' differing perceptions of this tool. Patients cited potential for personal health records to deepen their relationship with their healthcare provider and to allow them to be more understood. Physicians were interested in having more clinical information sharing to facilitate better patient care.

Viral transformations in the female genital tract can spell trouble for women’s health

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 12:15 PM PDT

A new study uses next-generation gene sequencing to get a clearer read on the community of viruses present in vaginal microbiome samples and its implication for the development of cervical cancer.

Researchers generate the first complete, gapless sequence of a human genome

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 12:15 PM PDT

Scientists have published the first complete, gapless sequence of a human genome, two decades after the Human Genome Project produced the first draft human genome sequence. According to researchers, having a complete, gap-free sequence of the roughly 3 billion bases (or 'letters') in our DNA is critical for understanding the full spectrum of human genomic variation and for understanding the genetic contributions to certain diseases.

Scientists bioprint tissue-like constructs capable of controlled, complex shape change

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 12:14 PM PDT

New cell-laden bioink, comprised of tightly-packed, flake-shaped microgels and living cells, the production of cell-rich 4D bioconstructs that can change shape under physiological conditions.

NIH experts discuss controlling COVID-19 in commentary on herd immunity

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 12:14 PM PDT

Achieving classical herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, may not be attainable, according to a new perspective article. However, widespread use of currently available public health interventions to prevent and control COVID-19 will enable resumption of most activities of daily life with minimal disruption, the authors note.

Easier, faster assay enables many more laboratories to identify COVID-19 variants

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 12:14 PM PDT

Using a commercially available test and simplified process, any laboratory that can run a real-time PCR assay can detect known SARS-CoV-2 variants in patient samples, researchers report.

New study explores relationship between psychedelics and consciousness

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 10:42 AM PDT

A new study addresses the question of whether psychedelics might change the attribution of consciousness to a range of living and nonliving things.

Scientific consortium provides real-time risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 10:42 AM PDT

A new program has been set up to provide a real-time risk assessment of variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The program assesses how the variants might affect transmission, virulence, and resistance to both disease-induced (convalescent) and vaccine-induced immunity.

Can an image-based electrocardiographic algorithm improve access to care in remote settings?

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 10:42 AM PDT

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model for clinical diagnosis that can use electrocardiogram (ECG) images, regardless of format or layout, to diagnose multiple heart rhythm and conduction disorders.

Blood vessels are guides for stimulating implants

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 10:42 AM PDT

A wireless neurostimulator a little bigger than a grain of rice can be put in place alongside blood vessels to treat neurological diseases and chronic pain.

Structure of a bacterial 'drug pump' reveals new way to counter hospital-borne infection

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 09:12 AM PDT

By revealing the structure of a protein used by bacteria to pump out antibiotics, a research team designed an early-stage therapeutic that sabotages the pump and restores the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Researchers identify new targets for immunotherapy in colon cancer

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 09:12 AM PDT

Scientists identify a pathway of immune cell inhibition that may provide the basis for novel approaches to immunotherapy of colon cancer. Their results also highlight important roles of the intestinal microbiota in the development of the disease.

Men with high blood pressure have a biased recognition of other people’s anger

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 09:12 AM PDT

Men with high blood pressure have a biased recognition of other people's anger, as shown in a new study.

Apples and other fruits can host drug-resistant, pathogenic yeasts on surfaces, study finds

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 09:11 AM PDT

Fungicides used to prolong shelf life of fruits may select for pathogenic yeasts and boost transmission. Those pathogens include Candida auris, a drug-resistant pathogenic yeast found in stored apples in a recent study.

Convalescent plasma can be effective early COVID-19 therapy, study finds

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:16 AM PDT

Research shows that high-titer (antibody-rich) COVID convalescent plasma -- when administered to COVID-19 outpatients within nine days after testing positive -- reduced the need for hospitalization for more than half of a study's predominantly unvaccinated outpatients.

Surprising way to make walking easier

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:16 AM PDT

New findings describe a novel way to reduce the energy people spend to walk, as much as by half, which could have applications for therapy received by patients with impaired walking abilities.

Global disparities persist in opioid painkiller access

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:16 AM PDT

Global opioid sales increased by an estimated 4% annually from 2015 to 2019, but massive disparities in access to essential pain relief medications persist between countries, a new study finds.

Those who ogle also more likely to have harmful attitudes, study finds

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:15 AM PDT

New research examining 'eye gaze behavior' has found that looking at people's bodies, rather than their faces, is linked with harmful attitudes towards sexual assault.

Classification of 16 adult sleep patterns based on large-scale sleep analysis

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:15 AM PDT

A research group found that the human sleep patterns could be classified into 16 types by combining ACCEL, their original machine learning algorithm for sleep-wake classification, the dimension reduction method and the clustering method. The acceleration data of approximately 100,000 people in the UK Biobank were analyzed in detail, and some life-style-related patterns and insomnia-like patterns were reported.

Married mothers who earn more than their husbands take on an even greater share of the housework, research finds

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:15 AM PDT

While new mothers frequently take on a greater share of housework than their spouses, this effect is even more pronounced in mothers who earn more than fathers, new research shows.

Heart complications after a stroke increase the risk of future cardiovascular events

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:15 AM PDT

A large, observational study found that heart complications within one month after an ischemic stroke (blocked blood flow to the brain) are very common. This 'stroke-heart syndrome' may put stroke survivors at higher risk for death, heart attack or another stroke within five years.

A scaffold with a twist: Cryo-EM reveals the building blocks of poxvirus

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:15 AM PDT

Researchers have revealed how poxviruses build their scaffold - a temporary protein coat that forms and disappears as the virus matures.

Forensic scientists improve touch DNA collection methods

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:15 AM PDT

Skin cells and their DNA varies between individuals, but new data shows that some groups of people have higher variability in their cell deposits. The South Australian forensic science researchers are building a suite of new insights into crime scene investigation -- including the difference between high, intermediate and low skin 'shedders' that will help understanding of trace or 'touch DNA'.

Law enforcement seizures of pills containing fentanyl increased dramatically between 2018-2021, U.S. study finds

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:15 AM PDT

Law enforcement seizures of pills containing illicit fentanyl increased dramatically between January 2018 and December 2021, according to a new U.S. study. The number of individual pills seized by law enforcement increased nearly 50-fold from the first quarter of 2018 to the last quarter of 2021 and the proportion of pills to total seizures more than doubled, with pills representing over a quarter of illicit fentanyl seizures by the end of 2021. The study also found an increase in the number of fentanyl-containing powder seizures during this time.

Researchers outline bias in epidemic research -- and offer new simulation tool to guide future work

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:15 AM PDT

A team of researchers unpacks a series of biases in epidemic research, ranging from clinical trials to data collection, and offers a game-theory approach to address them, in a new analysis. The work sheds new light on the pitfalls associated with technology development and deployment in combating global crises like COVID-19, with a look toward future pandemic scenarios.

Rising parental expectations linked to perfectionism in college students

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:15 AM PDT

Rising parental expectations and criticism are linked to an increase in perfectionism among college students, which can have damaging mental health consequences, according to new research.

Babies exposed to cannabis in the womb may be at risk for obesity, high blood sugar

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:14 AM PDT

Cannabis use among pregnant women is on the rise and may be associated with negative health outcomes in children, according to a new study.

Device directs sperm to ‘go against the flow’ to help infertility

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:14 AM PDT

Out of about 100 million sperm, only a few hundred make it to the fallopian tubes. A directional movement called rheotaxis, guides sperm cells to swim against the cervical mucus flow to reach the egg for fertilization. Swimming the right way is key, especially for those combating infertility. Using this natural rheotaxis behavior of sperm, researchers have developed a microfluidic chip for sperm sorting that is fast, inexpensive, easy to operate and efficiently isolates healthy sperm directly from semen. Importantly, it effortlessly collects sorted sperm cells from the collecting chamber while minimizing contamination by deformed or dead sperm cells.

Why are people with allergic asthma less susceptible to severe COVID?

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 01:45 PM PDT

Scientists show how cells packed with SARS-CoV-2 detach from the upper airway and spread deep into lungs where severe COVID can take root. They also discovered how an asthmatic reaction to allergens battles the virus to hold severe COVID at bay.