Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Researchers identify root of chronic pain as potential new drug target
A research team has revealed new information on the underlying mechanisms of cell circuits in a part of the brain for novel therapeutic strategies to treat chronic pain.
Angiogenesis factor found to promote three age-related diseases of the eye
Increased expression of the angiogenic factor VEGF-A promotes three common aging-related eye conditions - both versions of age-related macular degeneration and also cataracts - in an animal model, report scientists.
Sperm-boosting nutrient may help infertile couples, scientists say
Stephen FellerSHEFFIELD, England, April 12 (UPI) -- Lycopene, the substance that makes tomatoes red, may boost sperm counts in men with infertility, said researchers in England launching a study on...
Zika virus 'scarier than thought' - US
The Zika virus is "scarier" than first thought and its impact on the US could be greater than predicted, public health officials say.
Even low levels of air pollution appear to affect a child’s lungs
Dramatic improvements in air quality in U.S. cities since the 1990s may not be enough to ensure normal lung function in children, according to new research.
Newly discovered proteins may protect against aging's illnesses
Tested in both mice and human cells and produced in the energy-producing mitochondria of cells, the proteins may lead to greater understanding of aging-related diseases from diabetes to Alzheimer's to...
More than three percent of men on active surveillance for prostate cancer may have metastases
Radical treatment such as surgery and radiation for localized prostate cancer may cause significant side effects. Active surveillance is increasingly accepted as an option for treating patients with clinically insignificant...
Dysfunctional endosomes are early sign of neurodegeneration
Abnormalities in a protein that helps transport and sort materials inside cells are linked to axonal dysfunction and degeneration of neurons in Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome, report investigators.
Handwashing gets skipped a third of the time in outpatient healthcare
Despite having policies in place to prevent infections, staff at outpatient care facilities fail to follow recommendations for hand hygiene 37 percent of the time, and for safe injection practices...
Brain Injury Signs Show Up in Retired NFL Players
A study of men who've retired from the NFL shows that many have suffered brain injuries.
Omega factor: Novel method measures mortality risk when multiple diseases threaten
A novel method has been developed for assessing mortality risk in elderly patients with cancer who also suffer from other serious diseases or conditions. The prognostic model, they say, is...
Anorexia-like condition in mice triggered by combination of genetic risk, stress, dieting
In a new study, researchers from Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) described a new mouse model featuring a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors that can trigger the compulsive...
How two types of immune cells can arise from one
A newly identified mechanism may offer ways to enhance the immune response to fight cancer or strengthen long-term protection provided by vaccines.
Radiation improves survival in older patients with soft tissue sarcomas
Radiation therapy following surgery benefits older patients more than their younger counterparts, researchers report, a surprising finding that could change the way some patients are treated for soft tissue sarcomas...
FDA approves drug for rare type of leukemia
Stephen FellerBETHESDA, Md., April 11 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved Venclexta for patients with a rare form of leukemia who were not helped by...
New public repository of patient-derived cancer models aims to improve drug testing
Testing experimental cancer drugs in mouse models with patient-derived tumors could reduce the high failure rate of drugs in early clinical trials, according to a new report.
Blood processing methods affect microparticles and mtDNA linked to transfusion reactions
Specific red blood cell manufacturing methods may be less damaging to cells than others, scientists report for the first time. This finding could help reduce adverse reactions in transfusion recipients...
Novel mechanism of crizotinib resistance in a ROS1+ NSCLC patient
Molecular analysis of a tumor biopsy from a proto-oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase positive (ROS1+) patient with acquired crizotinib resistance revealed a novel mutation in the v-kit Hardy Zuckerman 4...
Macrophages surrounding lymph nodes block the progression of melanoma, other cancers
A type of immune cell that appears to block the progress of melanoma and other cancers in animal models has been identified by researchers.
3-D printing creates knee model for evaluating patellar disorders and surgical approaches
A new, low-cost approach to building a knee model for studying knee pain and impaired mobility caused by abnormal movement of the patella uses a 3D printer to create a...
Kidney stone patients hospitalized on the weekend may get delayed treatment
Patients with severe cases of kidney stones are 26 percent less likely to receive timely treatment when they're admitted to the hospital on the weekend, according to a new report....
Hepatitis B and C could be eliminated as public health problems in US
It is possible to end the transmission of hepatitis B and C and prevent further sickness and deaths from the diseases, but time, considerable resources, and attention to various barriers...
Maryland's 2011 alcohol sales tax reduced alcohol sales, study suggests
Maryland's 2011 increase in the alcohol sales tax appears to have led to fewer purchases of beer, wine and liquor in the state, suggesting reduced alcohol use, new research indicates.
Fetal sex selection apparently happens in Canada
Should parents to be permitted to abort female fetuses so they can try again, to have a boy? The practice - which opens up an ethical minefield - apparently happens...
Vegetables grown with treated wastewater boost human exposure to pharmaceutical contaminants
Consuming produce watered with reclaimed wastewater increased detectable levels of the drug carbamazepine in people’s urine
578,000 to get cholera vaccine in Zambia in next two weeks
Stephen FellerNEW YORK, April 11 (UPI) -- Doctors Without Borders plans to vaccinate 578,000 people against cholera in Zambia, where an outbreak has made 664 sick and killed 12 since...
Microfilter allows non-invasive diagnosis of fetal abnormalities
A new method could allow physicians to diagnose fetal genetic abnormalities during pregnancy without the risks involved in current techniques.
University leaders should be responsible for lab safety, report says
APLU issues this and other recommendations to help colleges improve safety culture on campus