Health News
Top stories featured on ScienceDaily's Health & Medicine, Mind & Brain, and Living Well sections.
As we age, our cells are less likely to express longer genes
Aging may be less about specific 'aging genes' and more about how long a gene is. Many of the changes associated with aging could be occurring due to decreased expression of long genes, say researchers. A decline in the expression of long genes with age has been observed in a wide range of animals, from worms to humans, in various human cell and tissue types, and also in individuals with neurodegenerative disease. Mouse experiments show that the phenomenon can be mitigated via known anti-aging fa...
Research offers hope for preventing post-COVID 'brain fog' by targeting brain's blood vessels
Researchers have identified a mechanism that causes neurological problems in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19. The researchers also found a treatment that helped prevent these changes.
AI can now detect COVID-19 in lung ultrasound images
Artificial intelligence can spot COVID-19 in lung ultrasound images much like facial recognition software can spot a face in a crowd, new research shows. The findings boost AI-driven medical diagnostics and bring health care professionals closer to being able to quickly diagnose patients with COVID-19 and other pulmonary diseases with algorithms that comb through ultrasound images to identify signs of disease.
Severe lung infection during COVID-19 can cause damage to the heart
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can damage the heart even without directly infecting the heart tissue, a new study has found. The research specifically looked at damage to the hearts of people with SARS-CoV2-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a serious lung condition that can be fatal. But researchers said the findings could have relevance to organs beyond the heart and also to viruses other than SARS-CoV-2.
Metformin during pregnancy affects the brain development in offspring mice, study finds
With the rise in gestational diabetes and metabolic disorders during pregnancy, metformin is also being prescribed more frequently. Although it is known that the oral antidiabetic agent can cross the placental barrier, the impacts on the brain development of the child are largely unknown. Researchers have now been able to demonstrate in a mouse model that although metformin has positive effects in pregnant animals, it does not in the offspring.
Perceived gender discrimination linked to decline in wellbeing for older women
A study of more than 3,000 middle-aged and older women living in England showed that those who believed they had encountered gender discrimination were more likely to report declines in wellbeing over time.
Fear may lead women and men to make different decisions when choosing short-VS-long-term rewards
Fear may affect women's decisions in choosing immediate rewards versus larger delayed ones, while men's decisions appear unaffected by emotion, according to a new study.
Earlier retirement for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain
Frequent musculoskeletal pain is linked with an increased risk of exiting work and retiring earlier, according to a new study.
Ancient giant dolphin discovered in the Amazon
Measuring between 3 to 3.5 meters, 16 million years old: Paleontologists have announced the discovery of a new species of freshwater dolphin in the Peruvian Amazon region. Surprisingly, its closest living relatives can be found in the river dolphins of South Asia.
Study suggests an 'odor sensor' may explain male and female differences in blood pressure
Using data from both mice and humans, a research team has found that a cell surface protein that senses odors and chemicals may be responsible for -- and help explain -- male/female differences in mammalian blood pressure.
Bacteria subtype linked to growth in up to 50% of human colorectal cancers
Researchers have found that a specific subtype of a microbe commonly found in the mouth is able to travel to the gut and grow within colorectal cancer tumors. This microbe is also a culprit for driving cancer progression and leads to poorer patient outcomes after cancer treatment. The findings could help improve therapeutic approaches and early screening methods for colorectal cancer, which is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in adults in the U.S. according to the American Cancer Soc...
Social bonding gets people on the same wavelength
When small hierarchical groups bond, neural activity between leaders and followers aligns, promoting quicker and more frequent communication, according to a new study.
Low social status increases risk of health problems from alcohol problems
Men and women with lower income or education levels are more likely to develop medical conditions related to alcohol abuse compared to similar individuals with a higher socioeconomic status, according to a new study.
Craving snacks after a meal? It might be food-seeking neurons, not an overactive appetite
Psychologists have discovered a circuit in the brain of mice that makes them crave food and seek it out, even when they are not hungry. When stimulated, this cluster of cells propels mice to forage vigorously and to prefer fatty and pleasurable foods like chocolate over healthier foods like carrots.
Early identification of persistent pain plus holistic interventions cut opioid use
In a new study, researchers found that a carefully worded, short questionnaire successfully identified people who were most likely to develop chronic pain. These patients were then steered to a more detailed risk stratification and holistic services that led to better outcomes.
Powerful new AI can predict people's attitudes to vaccines
A powerful new tool in artificial intelligence is able to predict whether someone is willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
While social media changes over decades, conversation dynamics stay the same, new study suggests
A new study has identified recurring, 'toxic' human conversation patterns on social media, which are common to users irrespective of the platform used, the topic of discussion, and the decade in which the conversation took place.
8-hour time-restricted eating linked to a 91% higher risk of cardiovascular death
A study of over 20,000 adults found that those who followed an 8-hour time-restricted eating schedule, a type of intermittent fasting, had a 91% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Toxic metal particles can be present in cannabis vapes even before the first use, study finds
Though vapes have been heralded as a 'safer' way to consume either nicotine or cannabis, they present their own suite of risks that are being revealed through increasing regulation. Now, scientists have discovered that nano-sized toxic metal particles can be present in cannabis vaping liquids even before any heating occurs, and the effect is worse in illicit products.
A protein found in human sweat may protect against Lyme disease
Human sweat contains a protein that may protect against Lyme disease. About one-third of the population carries a genetic variant of this protein that is associated with Lyme disease in genome-wide association studies.
Biomarkers of the middle-aged brain predict cognitive health in old age
The middle-aged brain could provide a window into future cognitive health. A team reviewed evidence from human and animal studies suggesting that middle age -- commonly considered as the period between 40 and 60 or 65 years of age -- marks a shift in brain aging. They argue that more research should be dedicated to middle age, a period of life that is historically understudied.
Addressing both flu and COVID-19 through a single, multitasking injection
Researchers have identified new drug candidates for preventing and treating major respiratory viral infections.
Industrial societies losing healthy gut microbes
Our eating habits in industrialized societies are far removed from those of ancient humans. This is impacting our intestinal flora, it seems, as newly discovered cellulose degrading bacteria are being lost from the human gut microbiome, especially in industrial societies.
New discovery concerning occurrence of antibiotic resistance
A new study shows how heteroresistance, a transient resistance common in many bacteria, can act as a precursor to the development of antibiotic resistance.
Mapping the evolution of urinary tract cancer cells
Researchers have performed the most comprehensive analysis to date of cancer of the ureters or the urine-collection cavities in the kidney, known as upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). The study, which compared the characteristics of primary and metastatic tumors, provides new insights into the biology of these aggressive cancers and potential ways to treat them.
Implantable sensor could lead to timelier Crohn's treatment
Scientists have developed the first wireless, implantable temperature sensor to detect inflammatory flareups in patients with Crohn's disease. The approach offers long-term, real-time monitoring and could enable clinicians to act earlier to prevent or limit the permanent damage caused by inflammatory episodes.
New strategy to facilitate muscle regeneration after injury
Muscle injuries are common in the active population, and they cause the majority of player leaves in the world of sport. Depending on the severity, recovery of muscle function is quite slow and may require surgery, medication and rehabilitation. Now, a study reveals a strategy to improve and accelerate recovery from muscle injuries that has potential application in the sports and health sector in general.
Breathe, don't vent: Turning down the heat is key to managing anger
Venting about a source of anger might feel good in the moment, but it's not effective at reducing the rage, new research suggests. Instead, techniques often used to address stress -- deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, yoga or even counting to 10 -- have been shown to be more effective at decreasing anger and aggression.
Feeling apathetic? There may be hope
A new method that aims to help people develop grit looks promising.
Rise in global fungal drug-resistant infections
A global wave of infections caused by fungi growing drug-resistant has the medical community issuing precautions on how to protect yourself.
New technique helps AI tell when humans are lying
Researchers have developed a new training tool to help artificial intelligence (AI) programs better account for the fact that humans don't always tell the truth when providing personal information. The new tool was developed for use in contexts when humans have an economic incentive to lie, such as applying for a mortgage or trying to lower their insurance premiums.
Study shows middle-aged Americans are lonelier than European peers, suggests loneliness in midlife is endemic
New research has shown that not only are middle-aged Americans lonelier than their same-age peers in Europe, but levels of loneliness are also increasing across generations in the U.S. and Europe.
Laws that punish drug use during pregnancy likely lead to worse health outcomes for families, study finds
Contrary to some claims, laws that criminalize or otherwise punish drug use during pregnancy are more likely to worsen rather than improve health outcomes. The study is the first to systematically review the literature on punitive prenatal drug laws -- an increasingly common state policy strategy for addressing rising rates of prenatal drug use.
Study eases concern at antipsychotics use in pregnancy
The use of antipsychotics during pregnancy isn't linked to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders or learning difficulties, study suggests -- giving assurance to those concerned about continuing their medications during pregnancy.
How cells are ahead of the curve
The curvature of a surface determines the migration behavior of biological cells. They preferentially move along valleys or grooves while avoiding ridges. These findings gave rise to a model predicting cellular behavior. Such universal principles now allow a better understanding of the migration of immune and cancer cells, paving the way for new treatment options.
Researchers find unanticipated complexity in aging brain's memory decline
Researchers have discovered that the causes of age-related memory decline are more complicated than previously believed. Their study found that neural dedifferentiation is driven by different mechanisms depending on the type of visual stimuli the brain is trying to recall.
Overeating and starving both damage the liver: Cavefish provide new insight into fatty liver disease
Fatty liver, which can lead to liver damage and disease, can occur from both overeating and starvation. Now, new research shows how naturally starvation-resistant cavefish, unlike other animals, are able to protect their liver and remain healthy. The findings have implications for understanding and potentially addressing liver conditions in humans.
Study estimates nearly 70 percent of children under six in Chicago may be exposed to lead-contaminated tap water
A new analysis estimates that 68 percent of Chicago children under age six live in households with tap water containing detectable levels of lead.
Newborn piglets serve as a model for studying influenza
Although prevention and treatment strategies are available for influenza, they are not sufficient for vulnerable populations such as young children and newborns. A team of researchers has studied newborn piglets to better understand the progression of influenza infections.
Kallistatin contributes to the beneficial metabolic effects of weight loss
After weight loss, people with overweight and obesity express more of the protein Kallistatin in subcutaneous white adipose tissue. Kallistatin improves metabolism and could open up new therapeutic options for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes in future.
Landmark study shows that 'transcendent' thinking may grow teens' brains over time
Scientists find that adolescents who grapple with the bigger meaning of social situations experience greater brain growth, which predicts stronger identity development and life satisfaction years later.
Potential novel biomarkers of coronary heart disease discovered
Coronary heart disease is a major global health problem, especially among people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers have identified novel protein biomarkers that are associated with the development of CHD in people with and without diabetes.
Speaking without vocal cords, thanks to a new AI-assisted wearable device
Bioengineers have invented a thin, flexible device that adheres to the neck and translates the muscle movements of the larynx into audible speech. The device is trained through machine learning to recognize which muscle movements correspond to which words. The self-powered technology could serve as a non-invasive tool for people who have lost the ability to speak due to vocal cord problems.
Fatty food before surgery may impair memory in old, young adults
Eating fatty food in the days leading up to surgery may prompt a heightened inflammatory response in the brain that interferes for weeks with memory-related cognitive function in older adults -- and, new research in animals suggests, even in young adults.
Researchers identify a signaling molecule in neuroblastoma immunosuppression and aggressiveness
The MYCN oncoprotein plays a key role in starting, advancing and making it difficult to treat various human cancers. When MYCN is overactive, especially in high-risk neuroblastoma, the tumors become less responsive to immunotherapy -- a treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. Still, recognition of this problem has not led to any effective strategies to tackle this problem. In a new study, researchers found that MYCN selectively increases the levels of a signaling molecule, C...
Key metabolic process responsible for rapid immune responses discovered
Researchers identified a key metabolite in cells that helps direct immune responses and explains at a single cell level why immune cells that most efficiently recognize pathogens, vaccines, or diseased cells grow and divide faster than other cells. The findings also indicate that a better understanding of this metabolite and its role in immune response could improve the design of immunotherapies and create longer-lived responses against different types of cancer as well as enhance vaccine strateg...
Gut bacteria make neurotransmitters to shape the newborn immune system
Investigators discovered that unique bacteria colonize the gut shortly after birth and make the neurotransmitter serotonin to educate gut immune cells. This prevents allergic reactions to food and the bacteria themselves during early development.
Why killer T cells lose energy inside of solid tumors
Researchers have discovered the reason why immune cells lose energy when they enter the solid tumor microenvironment -- and how to restore their energy levels. A metabolic enzyme, called Acetyl-CoA carboxylase, has been identified as the culprit, for it causes T cells to store fat, rather than burning fat for energy.
Sleep apnea solution could be right under your nose
Researchers have discovered that a bedtime nasal spray has the potential to reduce the severity of sleep apnea in people and lower their blood pressure. The new research offers hope to millions of people around the world affected by sleep apnoea, a common and debilitating chronic respiratory condition.
Less social with age
Scientists tested several hypotheses on the drivers of social aging in free-living Assamese macaques in Thailand. The researchers collected data on the social behavior of females for eight years and found that the size of their social networks decreases with increasing age. The females continued to interact with their close social partners, but gradually withdrew from social interactions altogether. The results contribute to the understanding of the evolutionary origins of social aging.