Health News

B-cells aggravate autoimmune diseases

Date: Mar-10-2014
Scientists in Freiburg may have discovered a fundamental aggravating factor in autoimmune diseases. If B-lymphocytes lack the protein PTP1B, the cells will become hyperactive for stimulatory signals and can thus promote an autoimmune attack. This study offers an additional explanation to how B-cells regulate an immune response.In Germany, approximately 800,000 people suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. In this progressive disease, a person's own immune system attacks and destroys connective tissue. However, the most important factors governing the progress of the disease are still unknown.

New insight into key biological processes offered by computational tool

Date: Mar-10-2014
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a computational tool designed to guide future research on biochemical pathways by identifying which components in a biological system are related to specific biochemical processes, including those processes responsible for gene expression, cell signaling, stress response, and metabolism."Our goal was to identify modules, or functional units, which are critical to the performance of the biochemical pathways that govern a host of biological processes," says Dr.

Common causes of kidney dysfunction after transplantation detected by simple urine test

Date: Mar-10-2014
A new noninvasive urine test can distinguish among different causes of acute kidney dysfunction after transplantation. The test, which is described in a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN), may allow patients to avoid invasive kidney biopsies when their transplanted organ is not functioning properly.When creatinine levels are elevated in the blood of a kidney transplant recipient, it is an indication that the transplanted kidney is not functioning well.

Genetic diagnostics to prevent sudden cardiac death

Date: Mar-10-2014
The genetic disease ARVC leads to sudden cardiac death and is more common than it has been hitherto assumed. This is reported by an international team of researchers headed by Prof Dr Hendrik Milting from the Heart and Diabetes Center NRW in the "European Heart Journal". The molecular biologist working at the Ruhr-Universitat's clinic in Bad Oeynhausen revealed that all families who are known to be affected by the disease share the same genetic origin. There must be other families in Europe who also carry the genetic mutation but who are not yet known.

Higher levels of omega-3 in diet associated with better sleep

Date: Mar-10-2014
A randomised placebo-controlled study by the University of Oxford suggests that higher levels of omega-3 DHA, the group of long-chain fatty acids found in algae and seafood, are associated with better sleep. The researchers explored whether 16 weeks of daily 600 mg supplements of algal sources would improve the sleep of 362 children. The children who took part in the study were not selected for sleep problems, but were all struggling readers at a mainstream primary school.

Generic drugs and strategies on the internet to discredit them

Date: Mar-10-2014
Although there is widespread consensus among the scientific community that the composition of generic drugs is identical to that of brand name drugs, this is not the case among the public. In a four-year study of over 3,000 opinions on Spanish web pages, researchers at the National University of Distance Education (UNED) of Spain have identified communication strategies aimed at creating risk perceptions about generic drugs, which may influence the low usage of these drugs.

Teen health risks from energy drinks

Date: Mar-10-2014
The uplifting effects of energy drinks are well advertised, but a new report finds consumption among teenagers may be linked with poor mental health and substance use.Researchers are calling for limits on teen's access to the drinks and reduction in the amount of the caffeine in each can.The paper by researchers at the University of Waterloo and Dalhousie University, published in Preventive Medicine, found that high school students prone to depression as well as those who are smoke marijuana or drink alcohol are more likely to consume energy drinks than their peers.

Where does 'hidden fat' come from?

Date: Mar-10-2014
It is now common knowledge that having too much fat is bad for you, but less well known is the serious threat posed by the "hidden fat" that surrounds our vital organs. New research published in the journal Nature Cell Biology claims to have discovered where this hidden, or "visceral fat," comes from.Visceral fat and subcutaneous fat are the two main types of fat in the body. Subcutaneous fat is found directly beneath the skin - it gives our bodies cushioning and insulation and is a store of energy. Visceral fat, meanwhile, develops around the heart, intestines and vital organs.

Targeted drug 'prolongs survival for cervical cancer patients'

Date: Mar-10-2014
The American Cancer Society estimate that there will be 12,360 new cases of invasive cervical cancer diagnosed this year, with 4,020 deaths from the disease. Now, a phase II trial has found that a targeted antitumor drug could prolong the survival of women with cervical cancer.The research team, led by Dr. Angélica Nogueira-Rodrigues of the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, recently published their findings in the journal Cancer.

Novel smartphone case measures key vital signs

Date: Mar-10-2014
It is no surprise that more than 91.4 million Americans use a smartphone. The devices are so much more than a phone - they are a world of knowledge right in the palms of our hands. And now, they can even monitor our health. Technology company Azoi has launched a smartphone case that can measure key vital signs.The health tracker is called Wello. It consists of a number of sensors that are embedded into a case that fits onto a smartphone.