Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Scientists engineer immune cells to protect organs from transplant rejection
A gene therapy has been developed that programs a type of immune cell called T regulatory cells (Tregs) to protect transplanted tissues from rejection by the patient's immune system, report...
New Celiac Disease Risk Factor found in study
Researchers have identified a common variant in a non-coding RNA that may contribute to the intestinal inflammation that occurs in people with celiac disease. The findings point to a possible...
New Medicare model may improve care, cost for knee, hip surgeries
Stephen FellerBALTIMORE, April 1 (UPI) -- A new model of bundled Medicare reimbursement for hip and knee replacements surgeries goes into effect today, aiming to improve care while lowering cost.
VIDEO: Turtle treated for buoyancy disorder
A turtle in Seattle has undergone experimental therapy involving a hyperbaric chamber to try and treat its buoyancy disorder.
Possibility of curbing synapse loss in Alzheimer's
Researchers show how brain connections, or synapses, are lost early in Alzheimer's disease and demonstrate that the process starts -- and could potentially be halted -- before telltale plaques accumulate...
Protease-activated receptors differentially regulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase
It has been established that the activation of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) phosphorylates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-Ser-1177 through a distinct signaling pathway that leads to the production of the potent...
Mom's smoking alters fetal DNA
A study of over 6,000 mothers and their newborn children -- one of the largest studies of its kind -- solidifies the evidence that smoking cigarettes while pregnant chemically modifies...
Born to run? Study suggests love of exercise starts in the womb
Female mice that voluntarily exercise during pregnancy have offspring that are more physically active as adults.
Two new drugs equally effective against common skin cancer
Stephen FellerPHOENIX, March 31 (UPI) -- Two drugs, Vismodegib and Sonidegib, were found to be equally effective against basal cell carcinoma, according to researchers.
Compact drug synthesizer could revolutionize drug delivery
Researchers have developed a system the size of a household fridge that can synthesize a variety of pharmaceuticals in short periods of time, including an antihistamine, an antidepressant, a common...
Doctors question nursing home fines for rehospitalization
Stephen FellerBLOOMINGTON, Ind., March 31 (UPI) -- The government is moving to make skilled nursing facilities more responsible for patient outcomes by fining them for patients rehospitalized within 30 days.
Experience in Afghanistan highlights plastic surgeons' role in combat trauma surgery
Especially with improved chances of survival from severe combat trauma, plastic surgeons play a critical role in managing injuries sustained in modern warfare, suggest researchers with experience at a combat...
Imitating movements could help Alzheimer's patients
While there is no cure, new research shows that patients with Alzheimer's can still benefit from both physical and cognitive rehabilitation, and that mimicry may be a useful tool to...
Prostate-specific antigen screening publications influence biopsy rates, associated complications
While absolute rates of biopsy and post-biopsy complications have decreased following several benchmark prostate-specific antigen screening publications, the relative risk for each patient continues to increase, according to a new...
Improved patient outcomes linked to specific health IT resources in hospitals
The number of health information technology vendors has increased from 60 to more than 1,000 since 2008. However, many scholars have expressed concerns that such services are flooding the market...
[Feature] Occupational hazard
Farm workers in southern India are dying from chronic kidney disease, and no one knows what is causing it. But a rash of similar outbreaks in other countries, including Central...
[In Depth] Brazil bill would legalize renegade cancer pill
A showdown over a controversial cancer therapy has intensified, pitting Brazil's scientists against its congress. Last week, responding to a clamor from politicians and desperate patients, the congress voted to...
[In Brief] News at a glance
In science news around the world, Japan loses contact with its recently launched ASTRO-H x-ray observatory, a yellow fever outbreak ravages Luanda and depletes the World Health Organization's stockpile of...
Study: Amateur football hits linked to later-life difficulty
BOSTON (AP) -- A preliminary study by Boston University researchers shows a link between the number of hits a player takes in youth,...
Lead in soil another known factor in Flint
A new study has found that higher rates of Flint children showed elevated lead levels in their blood during drier months of the year, even before the switch to a...
Flagship brain project releases neuro-computing tools
Human Brain Project asks wider neuroscience community to start using its hardware and software.Nature News doi: 10.1038/nature.2016.19672
Evening snacking might raise odds for breast cancer's return
Kathleen Doheny, HealthDay News Breast cancer patients fond of midnight snacking may be at a higher risk of a breast cancer recurrence, according to new research.
18 go blind after cataract surgery in Brazil
SAO PAULO (AP) -- Brazilian officials say 18 people have been left blind after undergoing cataract surgeries in which non-sterilized instruments were used...
Could mammograms detect clogged arteries as well as breast cancer? Yes, says new research
A woman's routine mammogram is a bulwark against dying of breast cancer, which strikes 1 in 8 women over a lifetime. But new research suggests that, with little extra cost...
California course offers golfers hoverboard-like 'GolfBoards'
Ben HooperPOWAY, Calif., March 31 (UPI) -- A California golf course is offering new thrills to players with the next evolution of the golf cart -- the surfboard-like motorized "GolfBoard."
Cowboys' Tony Romo 'healing nicely' after third collarbone break, preventive surgery
The Sports Xchange Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo said his left collarbone is recovering from surgery and looking ahead to offseason workouts.
Kim Kardashian, Emily Ratajkowski post topless selfie
Annie MartinLOS ANGELES, March 31 (UPI) -- Kim Kardashian and "Blurred Lines" video star Emily Ratajkowski recreated Kardashian's controversial nude selfie in response to criticism.
Surgeries at teaching hospitals take 22% longer, Canadian study finds
Common surgeries at Canadian teaching hospitals do take longer than at community hospitals but a new study suggests this may be costly and inefficient.