Other Notable Health Studies & Research From May 11, 2022 -

There are dozens of studies, innovations, and research findings released everyday by institutions and clinics across the world. Here’s a look at some of the other notable health reports from May 11.

New Research in JNCCN Encourages Harnessing Health Technology to Help Cancer Patients Quit Smoking
New research in the May 2022 issue of JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network finds the inclusion of the smoking cessation tool Electronic Health Record-Enabled Evidence-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment (ELEVATE, from Epic) into electronic health records (EHRs) can increase self-reported patient quit rates by more than 5 percentage points.

Antidepressant use during pregnancy not linked to epilepsy in children
A new study suggests that antidepressant use by mothers during the first trimester of pregnancy does not increase the chances of epilepsy and seizures in babies.

Large Study in Botswana Finds Daily Micronutrient Supplementation During Pregnancy Reduces Complications at Birth
A six-year study of nearly 100,000 women in Botswana has provided new evidence that relatively inexpensive daily diet supplementation of iron, folic acid and vitamin supplementation in pregnancy can reduce complications at birth.

A brain circuit in the thalamus helps us hold information in mind
In a study of mice, MIT researchers have identified a circuit in the anterior thalamus that is necessary for remembering how to navigate a maze.

New NIAAA site helps clinicians navigate alcohol and patient health
A new online resource will help healthcare professionals and practices improve care for people whose alcohol consumption may be impacting their health.

Limiting Resident-Physician Work Hours Improved Patient Safety Outcomes
In 2011, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) limited first-year resident-physicians’ work hours to no more than 16 consecutive hours after studies indicated that longer shifts may increase risk of medical errors and other adverse outcomes.

New study shines light on inequalities in gestational diabetes research
University of Leeds researchers found a concerning lack of robust data for non-white European women in previous studies examining the impact of diet on gestational diabetes.

Sun safety for children – new research will explore role of primary schools in preventing skin cancer
With skin cancer rates rising, much of it preventable, a new research project is to explore the role of primary schools in Wales and assess the effectiveness of sun safety policies in protecting children.

Discovery reveals blocking inflammation may lead to chronic pain
Using anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids to relieve pain could increase the chances of developing chronic pain, according to researchers from McGill University and colleagues in Italy.

Flu causes cardiac complications by directly infecting the heart
Researchers have shown for the first time in mice that heart problems associated with the flu are not caused by raging inflammation in the lungs, as has long been predicted.

10-minute meditation could help reduce Brexit polarization
In a new study, a brief, audio-guided, befriending-themed meditation reduced affective polarization between people on the “Remain” versus “Leave” sides of the U.K.’s Brexit referendum.

Prototype ventilator, open to all and potentially suitable for adults and kids, could cost as little as USD $1500
PVP1—The People’s Ventilator Project: A fully open, low-cost, pressure-controlled ventilator research platform compatible with adult and pediatric uses.

Healthy diet in pregnancy might not impact risk of developing gestational diabetes in non-White European populations, according to new meta-analysis
Ethnic-specific associations between dietary consumption and gestational diabetes mellitus incidence: A meta-analysis.

Nurse-Led Cedars-Sinai Study Leads to Creating ‘Serenity Lounges’
A new Cedars-Sinai study shows that “Serenity Lounges”–break rooms equipped with massage chairs and other relaxation tools–reduced feelings of stress, anxiety and burnout among nurses.

Researchers find a trigger for ‘cell suicide’; could lead to new skin infection therapies
Emory University researchers have discovered a mechanism for skin cell death that could eventually result in new treatments for ailments such as “flesh-eating” infections, alopecia, hives and potentially even the deadliest type of skin cancer, melanoma.

An efficient single item instrument to measure self-control
A straightforward and highly time-efficient method to evaluate the trait of self-control in individuals was developed and tested by German-Swiss research team, led by Dr Wanja Wolff (University of Konstanz, Germany and University of Bern, Switzerland) with the aim to aid future scholars, as well as practitioners, including medical workers and surveyors.

Post-Roe, millions will travel farther for abortion care
If the United States Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, state legislation would impact access to abortion care for tens of millions across the country, according to a University of Utah-led paper that published on May 9, 2022, in the journal Utah Women’s Health Review.

Scientists Detect Common Fungicide in Pregnant Women and Children
For the first time, UNC-Chapel Hill researchers have measured the concentration of a biomarker of the commonly used fungicide azoxystrobin (AZ) in the urine of pregnant women and children ranging from 40-84 months of age.

Study points to need for substantial improvement in heart attack outcomes across high-income nations
The study, published online in BMJ on May 5, was led by researchers at Harvard Medical School and The University of Texas Medical Branch as part of the International Health System Research Collaborative, an effort dedicated to understanding the tradeoffs inherent in different nations’ approaches to delivering health care.

Discovery of cell protein that keeps Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus dormant
A team of UC Davis researchers has identified a protein in the cancer cell’s nucleus as a critical agent keeping Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) dormant and undetected by the body’s immune system.

Ancient Microorganisms Found in Halite May Have Implications for Search for Life
Primary fluid inclusions in bedded halite from the 830-million-year-old Browne Formation of central Australia contain organic solids and liquids, as documented with transmitted light and UV-vis petrography.

NRG Oncology Study of Photon Versus Proton Therapy for Patients with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Completes Accrual
The NRG Oncology clinical trial BN001, which is comparing a more dose-intensified radiation therapy schedule to the standard dose of radiation therapy, has recently reached the accrual target.

Study shows investment in public health programs helps prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses
A new study released by the Colorado School of Public Health evaluated the structural and outbreak factors associated with reporting foodborne outbreaks and found that the number and types of foodborne outbreaks reported varied substantially across states, with high reporting states reporting four times more outbreaks than low reporting states.

Recurrent, Low-Risk Chest Pain in the Emergency Department
This first Guideline for Reasonable and Appropriate Care in the Emergency Department (GRACE-1) from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine is on the topic: Recurrent, Low-risk Chest Pain in the Emergency Department.

Regular blueberry consumption may reduce risk of dementia, study finds
The old adage says that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but new research from the University of Cincinnati shows the potential benefit of a different fruit for your health.

For Outdoor Workers, Extreme Heat Poses Extreme Danger
In a new study in the International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, scientists from DRI, Nevada State College, and the Guinn Center for Policy Priorities explore the growing threat that extreme heat poses to workforce health in three of the hottest cities in North America – Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.

Key Protein Identified for Brain Stem Cell Longevity
A receptor that was first identified as necessary for insulin action, that also is located on the neural stem cells found deep in the brains of mice, is pivotal for brain stem cell longevity, according to a Rutgers study, a finding that has important implications for brain health and future therapies for brain disorders.

Ancient DNA gives new insights into ‘lost’ Indigenous people of Uruguay
The first whole genome sequences of the ancient people of Uruguay provide a genetic snapshot of Indigenous populations of the region before they were decimated by a series of European military campaigns.

Altos Labs and the Quest for Immortality: Dr. Blagosklonny’s Perspective
A new research perspective was published in Oncoscience journal by Mikhail Blagosklonny, M.D., Ph.D., entitled, “Altos Labs and the quest for immortality: but can we live longer right now?”

Ludwig MSK study modeling tumor evolution reveals a vulnerability for cancer prevention and therapy
Now, a study led by researchers at the Ludwig Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), MSK, Weill Cornell Medical College in New York and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has modeled and experimentally verified the interplay between the selection of mutations in such genes and their tendency to invite an immune attack on tumor cells.

Misperceptions can threaten scientific advancement
Misperceptions of marginalized and disadvantaged communities’ level of concern regarding COVID-19, as well as other issues such as climate change, constitutes a form of social misinformation that may undermine cooperation and trust needed to address collective problems, according to new Cornell-led research.

Insights Into Genetic ‘Hotspots’ Could Produce New Cancer Treatment Strategies
Many cancers contain similar genetic “hotspots” — areas of DNA that are likely to be mutated. For example, more than 50% of cancers contain a mutation in a gene called TP53, often within a narrow DNA range.

Gene that shapes mutation fee present in mice
A collaborative staff led by researchers at University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle now report they’ve positioned an space within the mouse genome the place genetic variation is related to variations within the mutation fee between people.

Comparison of Power Training vs Traditional Strength Training on Physical Function in Older Adults
In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 randomized clinical trials enrolling 566 older adults, low-certainty evidence showed improvement in physical function and self-reported function with power training.

Assessment of Latent Subgroups With Suicidal Ideation and Suicidal Behavior Among Gun Owners and Non–Gun Owners in the US
This survey study of 10 625 US adults identified 5 response patterns of passive and active suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, and suicidal behavior.

Neuropsychiatric Ramifications of Severe COVID-19 and Other Severe Acute Respiratory Infections
In this cohort study of data from more than 8 million adults in England, during the COVID-19 pandemic, risks of new anxiety disorder, dementia, psychotic disorder, and bipolar disorder diagnoses were significantly increased in adults surviving hospitalization for COVID-19 or other severe acute respiratory infections compared with the general population.

Mental health assessments often fail to identify suicidal ideation with gun owners
The study, published online today in the journal JAMA Network Open, found that gun owners with a recent suicide attempt are less likely than non-gun owners to report experiencing suicidal ideation, even though firearms are the most common method of suicide.

Life after death for the human eye: Vision scientists revive light-sensing cells in organ donor eyes
Scientists have revived light-sensing neuron cells in organ donor eyes and restored communication between them as part of a series of discoveries that stand to transform brain and vision research.

Increased mutations in children can be traced back to mistakes in father’s sperm
Researchers have traced the cause of increased numbers of mutations in children to a higher rate of random mutations in sperm cells of the biological father, associated with rare genetic defects in DNA repair or chemotherapy.

Risks of contaminated Vancouver drug supply heightened during pandemic: Study
More than a third of people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada reported a decline in the quality of drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

SARS-CoV-2 Hijacks Antiviral Human Proteins to Enter Cells
SARS-CoV-2 depends on the broadly antiviral interferon-induced human transmembrane proteins (IFITMs), to enter human cells and replicate inside them, according to research published this week in the Journal of Virology, a publication of the American Society for Microbiology.

Gut Microbiome Composition Predictive of Patient Response to Statins
Researchers from Institute for Systems Biology have shown that different patient responses to statins can be explained by the variation in the human microbiome.

Hepatitis: 3D structure determination of the ‘gateway’ to the liver
Scientists from CNRS, the Institut Pasteur (France), the Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium) have published a ground-breaking study of the structure and function of a central protein in the liver: NTCP, a cellular-entry pathway for bile salts, but also for certain hepatitis viruses. Published in the journal Nature, these results reveal the 3D structure of NTCP and two architectutres it can adopt.

How a Leaky Gut Leads to Inflamed Lungs
New CU Department of Surgery research investigates the role of gut bacteria in pneumonia infection in the elderly.

‘Control sugar levels sooner to guard against heart attacks’ finds new study into type 2 diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes may need to reduce their blood sugar levels sooner after diagnosis than previously thought, to prevent major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, according to new research from the University of Surrey.

Long COVID-19 Exercise Capacity Linked to Abnormal Blood Clotting Markers
According to a study published today in Blood Advances, people suffering from long COVID may face an increased risk of abnormal blood clotting.

World’s 1st Focused Ultrasound Cancer Immunotherapy Center Launched
UVA Health and the Charlottesville-based Focused Ultrasound Center today announced the launch of the Focused Ultrasound Cancer Immunotherapy Center, the world’s first center dedicated specifically to advancing a focused ultrasound and cancer immunotherapy treatment approach that could revolutionize 21st-century cancer care.

A Study by the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Investigates Mercury Contamination in Freshwater Lakes in Korea
During the 1950s and 1960s, Minamata Bay in Japan was the site of widespread mercury poisoning caused by the consumption of fish containing methylmercury—a toxic form of mercury that is synthesized when bacteria react with mercury released in water.

Researchers identify possible new target to treat newborns suffering from lack of oxygen or blood flow in the brain
The condition, known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), can result in severe brain damage, which is why researchers at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital (UH Rainbow) are studying the condition to evaluate how HIE is treated and develop new, more effective options.

Should You Give Your Child Opioids for Post-Operative Pain Management?
Routine head and neck procedures, such as removal of tonsils and adenoids and the placement of ear tubes, may cause moderate to severe pain in pediatric patients.

Two birds with one stone: a refined bioinformatic analysis can estimate gene copy-number variations from epigenetic data
A team led by Dr. Manel Esteller, Director of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, has improved the computational identification of potentially druggable gene amplifications in tumors, from epigenetic data.

Some Shunts Used After Epilepsy Surgery May Risk Chronic Headaches
Surgeons who observe persistent fluid buildup after disconnecting epileptic and healthy brain areas should think twice before installing low-pressure nonprogrammable drainage shunts, according to a study coauthored by Rutgers pediatric and epilepsy neurosurgeon Yasunori Nagahama that found chronic headaches could result from these procedures.

Re-defining the selection of surgical procedure in sufferers with tuberous sclerosis complicated
By illustrating a number of instances of tuberous sclerosis in sufferers who’ve undergone surgical resection with seizure-free outcomes, researchers have recognized components that decide choice of sufferers for profitable surgical procedure.

Scientists study links between obesity, age and body chemistry
A team of Clemson University scientists is making inroads in understanding the relationship between certain enzymes that are normally produced in the body and their role in regulating obesity and controlling liver diseases.

Clemson scientists discover new tools to fight potentially deadly protozoa that has pregnant women avoiding cat litter boxes
Now, a group of researchers from Clemson University have discovered a promising therapy for those who suffer from toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by the microscopic protozoa Toxoplasma gondii.

Rising income inequality linked to Americans’ declining health
Rising levels of income inequality in the United States may be one reason that the health of Americans has been declining in recent decades, new research suggests.

Robotic therapy: A new effective treatment for chronic stroke rehabilitation
A study led by Dr. Takashi Takebayashi and published in the journal Stroke suggests continuing therapy for chronic stroke patients is still beneficial while suggesting a radical alternative.

Children with history of maltreatment could undergo an early maturation of the immune system
The acute psychosocial stress states stimulate the secretion of an antibody type protein which is decisive in the first immune defence against infection, but only after puberty.

Toxoplasmosis: propagation of parasite in host cell stopped
A new method blocks the protein regulation of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and causes it to die off inside the host cell.

Research shows the role empathy may play in music
Can people who understand the emotions of others better interpret emotions conveyed through music? A new study by an international team of researchers suggests the abilities are linked.

Effects of stress on adolescent brains triple network
A new study in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, published by Elsevier, has used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the effects of acute stress and “polyvicitimization,” or repeated traumas, on three brain networks in adolescents.

Reform to Mental Health Act must prompt change in support for families
Family members of people with severe mental health challenges need greater support to navigate the UK’s care system following changes announced in yesterday’s Queen’s Speech, say the authors of a new study published in the British Journal of Social Work.

New knowledge about airborne virus particles could help hospitals
Measurements taken by researchers at Lund University in Sweden of airborne virus in hospitals provide new knowledge about how best to adapt healthcare to reduce the risk of spread of infection.

Guidance developed for rare ‘dancing eyes syndrome’
Experts from Evelina London Children’s Hospital developed the guidance in collaboration with a worldwide panel of experts and families of children with the condition.

Genetic study identifies migraine causes and promising therapeutic targets
QUT genetic researchers have found blood proteins that cause migraine and have a shared link with Alzheimer’s disease that could potentially be prevented by repurposing existing therapeutics.

How do genomes evolve between species? The key role of 3D structure in male germ cells
A study led by scientists at the UAB and University of Kent uncovers how the genome three-dimensional structure of male germ cells determines how genomes evolve over time.

Novel Supramolecular CRISPR–Cas9 Carrier Enables More Efficient Genome Editing
Recently, a research team from Kumamoto University, Japan, have constructed a highly flexible CRISPR-Cas9 carrier using aminated polyrotaxane (PRX) that can not only bind with the unusual structure of Cas9 and carry it into cells, but can also protect it from intracellular degradation by endosomes.

Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure increase mortality from COVID-19 – especially among young and middle-aged people
Obesity, impaired blood glucose metabolism, and high blood pressure increase the risk of dying from COVID-19 in young and middle-aged people to a level mostly observed in people of advanced age.

Are most ORR electrocatalysts promising nanocatalytic medicines for tumor therapy?
The current searches for medical catalysts mainly rely on trial-and-error protocols, due to the lack of theoretical guidance.

The combination makes the difference: New therapeutic approach against breast cancer
Researchers at the University of Basel have now discovered an approach that involves a toxic combination with a second target gene in order to kill the abnormal cells.

Glatiramer acetate compatible with breastfeeding
A study conducted by the neurology department of Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) at St. Josef Hospital on the drug glatiramer acetate can relieve mothers of this concern during the breastfeeding period.

A*STAR, NHCS, NUS And Novo Nordisk To Collaborate On Cardiovascular Disease Research
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s (A*STAR) Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and Bioinformatics Institute (BII), as well as the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), National University of Singapore (NUS), and pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk have signed an agreement to study the mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease progression—especially the condition called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Taking ownership of your health
A study published this month in Age and Ageing by The Japan Collaborate Cohort (JACC) Study group at Osaka University assessed the impact of modifying lifestyle behaviors on life expectancy from middle age onwards.

Experimental evolution illustrates gene bypass process for mitosis
Researchers from Nagoya University demonstrated gene bypass events for mitosis using evolutionary repair experiments.

Temporomandibular Disorder-Induced Pain Likely to Worsen in Late Menopause Transition
New study evaluates the influence of menopause symptoms on the intensity of temporomandibular disorder-induced pain throughout the full menopause transition.

Breathtaking solution for a breathless problem
A drop in oxygen levels, even when temporary, can be critical to brain cells. This explains why the brain is equipped with oxygen sensors. Researchers from Japan and the United States report finding a new oxygen sensor in the mouse brain.

How “calming” our spinal cords could provide relief from muscle spasms
An Edith Cowan University (ECU) study investigating motoneurons in the spine has revealed two methods can make our spinal cords less “excitable” and could potentially be used to treat muscle spasms.

Analysis Finds Government Websites Downplay PFAS Health Risks
State and federal public health agencies often understate the scientific evidence surrounding the toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their public communications, according to an analysis published today in the journal Environmental Health.

Multiple diagnoses are the norm with mental illness; new genetic study explains why
The study, published this week in the journal Nature Genetics, found that while there is no gene or set of genes underlying risk for all of them, subsets of disorders—including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia; anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder; and major depression and anxiety—do share a common genetic architecture.

Drinker’s sex plus brewing method may be key to coffee’s link to raised cholesterol
The sex of the drinker as well as the brewing method may be key to coffee’s link with raised cholesterol, a known risk factor for heart disease, suggests research published in the open access journal Open Heart.

Single cell RNA sequencing uncovers new mechanisms of heart disease
Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute have now successfully applied a new revolutionary technology (scRNA-seq) to uncover underlying disease mechanisms, including specifically those causing the swelling.