Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Teaching An Old Protein New Tricks: Developing A Novel Gene Therapy For Huntington's Disease
Huntington’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a genetic defect in the Huntington (HTT) gene. Huntington’s disease belongs to an elite class of diseases which are ‘monogenic’- directly attributable...
Gluten And T-cells: What Happens In Celiac Disease Gets Visualized
Scientists have used a three GeV synchrotron radiation facility to visualize an interaction between gluten and T-cells in the human immune system, providing insight into how celiac disease is triggered....
New tool determines leukemia cells' 'readiness to die,' may guide clinical care
Researchers have developed a method for determining how ready acute myeloid leukemia cells are to die, a finding that may enable oncologists to choose more effective treatments for their patients.
Preemies from low-income families at high risk for dangerous brain bleeds
Babies born prematurely to low-income parents have a disproportionately high risk for developing dangerous brain bleeds that require multiple surgeries and extensive follow-up, according to a small study.
New model explains role of dopamine in immune regulation
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with emotions, movement, and the brain's pleasure and reward system. Investigators now provide a broad overview of the direct and indirect role of...
Twenty-one genes tied to cholesterol levels identified
In the largest-ever genetic study of cholesterol and other blood lipids, scientists have identified 21 new gene variants associated with risks of heart disease and metabolic disorders. The findings expand...
Scientists use new method to help reduce piglet mortality
To help increase the survival of newborn piglets, scientists have developed a new method that predicts animals' mortality and nursing ability.
Novel mechanisms underlying major childhood neuromuscular disease identified
A study suggests that spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic neuromuscular disease in infants and children, results primarily from motor circuit dysfunction, not motor neuron or muscle cell dysfunction, as...
Feeding the Schwanns: New technique could bring cell therapy for nerve damage a step closer
A new way to grow cells vital for nerve repair could be a vital step for use in patients with severe nerve damage, including spinal injury.
US zoo cites liver disease in baby panda's death
Veterinary pathologists on Thursday blamed liver disease brought on by insufficient oxygen for the sudden death of a six-day-old baby panda born at the National Zoo in Washington last month.
All healthcare professionals need training to deal with the sexual needs of patients, study finds
Providing healthcare staff with a one-day training course on dealing with the sexual needs of people with an acquired physical disability gave them greater understanding of the issues patients faced...
Stopping the itch: New clues into how to treat eczema
More than 15 percent of children suffer with eczema, or atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin disease that in some cases can be debilitating and disfiguring. Researchers have discovered a potential...
Bioethics panel urges more gene privacy protection
It sounds like a scene from a TV show: Someone sends a discarded coffee cup to a laboratory where the unwitting drinker's DNA is decoded, predicting what diseases lurk in...
Fungal meningitis firm allegedly made tainted shots before
Before the current rash of fungal meningitis, the compounding pharmacy suspected in the U.S. outbreak settled a lawsuit alleging it produced a tainted shot that caused a man's death in...
Airborne superbugs elude hospital cleaning regimes
Hospital superbugs can float on air currents and contaminate surfaces far from infected patients' beds, according to researchers.
ScienceShot: Fukushima Dogs Were Stressed Out
Comparative study shows canines rescued from Fukushima suffered more than those abandoned elsewhere
Stress: The roots of resilience
Most people bounce back from trauma — but some never recover. Scientists are trying to work out what underlies the difference.Nature 490 165 doi: 10.1038/490165a
Gene implicated in schizophrenia risk is also associated with risk for cannabis dependence
New research implicates a new gene in the risk for cannabis dependence. This gene, NRG1, codes for the ErbB4 receptor, a protein implicated in synaptic development and function.
Prospective Alzheimer's drug builds new brain cell connections, improves cognitive function of rats
Researchers have developed a new drug candidate that dramatically improves the cognitive function of rats with Alzheimer's-like mental impairment. Their compound, which is intended to repair brain damage that has...
Salmonella warning issued for peanut butter products
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to eat a number of products containing peanut butter over concerns they may be contaminated with salmonella.
Hyped GM maize study faces growing scrutiny
Food-safety bodies slam feeding study that claims increased cancer incidence in rats.Nature 490 158 doi: 10.1038/490158a
Working toward a universal vaccine for all influenza A and B viruses
(Phys.org)—Smart viruses find ways around host defenses. In the case of the influenza viruses A and B, rapid genetic changes and resistance to available therapies make it hard to combat...
Therapeutic Vaccine Shows Potential in Fighting Cervical Cancer
In a small, preliminary study, an experimental vaccine provoked a strong immune response against precancerous cells in women treated for early signs of cervical cancer.
Alzheimer’s Prevention Studies to Test Three Drugs
Three studies are starting early next year with the same goal: finding a way to head off the disease with early intervention.
Friend describes fatal beauty surgery at Pa. hotel
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- A Philadelphia woman known as "the Black Madam" performed deadly cosmetic surgery on a London dancer in an airport hotel room, then used...
President's Ethics Panel Urges New Protections for Whole Genome Data
Twelve steps for guarding privacy while encouraging research
Minutes of hard exercise can lead to all-day calorie burn
Time spent in the drudgery of strenuous exercise is a well-documented turn-off for many people who want to get in better shape. In a new study, researchers show that exercisers...
The best new superfood
Researchers have found that certain compounds in faba beans have the potential to kill cancer cells. Rich in antioxidants and fibre, faba beans may also help treat hypertension.