Health Research: Stretchable, wearable sensor made with chewing gum ♦ Understanding why group singing helps in dementia ♦Swimming devices could deliver drugs inside the body

Experts urge early evaluation of fracture risk in diabetics Despite an up to six-fold increased risk of fragility fractures in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients, there is a general lack of knowledge about the complex relationship between bone and diabetes. In order to promote understanding of the latest advances and to encourage early evaluation of fracture risk, a group of experts has now published a scientific review which highlights new information regarding fracture risk in T1DM patients

Swimming devices could deliver drugs inside the body A new method of guiding microscopic swimming devices has the potential to deliver drugs to a targeted location inside the body, according to new research. These devices, which are a similar size to cells and bacteria -- around a hundredth of the average diameter of a strand of human hair -- could be used to deliver drugs to a specific location inside the body or outside of the body to diagnose diseases in blood samples.

Understanding why group singing helps in dementia Couples where one partner is suffering from dementia can benefit from taking part in group singing.

Stretchable, wearable sensor made with chewing gum Body Sensors now allow any wearer to easily track heart rate, steps and sleep cycles around the clock. Soon, they could become even more versatile -- with the help of chewing gum. Scientists report a unique sensing device made of gum and carbon nanotubes that can move with your most bendable parts and track your breathing.

Food Research: Impact of high-fat diet on red blood cells may cause cardiovascular disease ♦ Moderate coffee drinking may be linked to reduced risk of death

Eating sweets forms memories that may control eating habits Eating sweet foods causes the brain to form a memory of a meal.

Dietary potassium may help prevent kidney, heart problems in diabetics Higher levels of urinary potassium excretion, which closely correlate with intake amounts, were linked with a slower decline of kidney function and a lower incidence of cardiovascular complications among patients with type 2 diabetes and normal kidney function.

Impact of high-fat diet on red blood cells may cause cardiovascular disease Researchers have discovered the negative impact a high fat diet has on red blood cells and how these cells, in turn, promote the development of cardiovascular disease.

Moderate coffee drinking may be linked to reduced risk of death Drinking coffee daily was associated with a lower risk of deaths from Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological diseases in nonsmokers. Regular consumption of coffee can be included as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Health News: India sets 12,000 standards for food additives ♦ Can you actually hear 'inaudible' sound? ♦ Ultrasound accelerates skin healing, especially for diabetics and the elderly

India sets 12,000 standards for food additives NEW DELHI: Food safety regulator FSSAI has finalised 12,000 standards for food additives and ingredients in line with global safety standards Codex, in order to do away with lengthy process of product approval.

Can you actually hear 'inaudible' sound? Are wind farms harmful to humans? This controversial topic makes emotions run high. To give the debate more objectivity, an international team of experts dealt with the fundamentals of hearing in the lower limit range of the audible frequency range (i.e., infrasound), but also in the upper limit range (i.e., ultrasound).

Findings identify receptors modulating macrophage responses to spinal cord injury A new study sheds light on opportunities to modulate macrophage responses after spinal cord injury, potentially reducing -- or even reversing -- damage and the resulting side effects

Ultrasound accelerates skin healing, especially for diabetics and the elderly Healing times for skin ulcers and bedsores can be reduced by a third with the use of low-intensity ultrasound, scientists have found

Surgeries before college athletics may result in more injuries during college play Athletes who've had lower extremity surgeries before going on to play in college, might be at a higher risk for another surgery independent of gender and sport, say researchers presenting their work today at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine's Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla.

Health News: FDA, long list of problems at Blue Bell plants ♦ ’Super-cool' way to deliver drugs ♦ Natural killer cell l maturation discovered

FDA  inspectors report long list of problems at Blue Bell plants Inspection teams from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported numerous problems after recent visits to three production facilities owned and operated by Blue Bell Creameries The company announced that it was recalling all products (ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and frozen desserts) manufactured at all of its plants after receiving positive Listeria...

New form of DNA modification may carry inheritable information The surprising discovery and function of a new DNA modification in insects, worms, and algae has been described in a new article

’Super-cool' way to deliver drugs Some substances, when they undergo a process called 'rapid-freezing' or 'supercooling,' remain in liquid form -- even at below-freezing temperatures. A new study is the first to break down the rules governing the complex process of crystallization through rapid-cooling. Its findings may revolutionize the delivery of drugs in the human body, providing a way to 'freeze' the drugs at an optimal time and location in the body.

Negative regulator of natural killer cell maturation discovered A new study has identified a regulatory pathway in natural killer cells that inhibits their maturation and homing behavior. Natural killer cells are one of the body's first lines of defense against viruses and cancer. The findings could lead to new strategies for boosting natural-killer cell activity against cancer and viral infections, scientists say.

Employers and workers can join forces to keep diabetes under control

People with diabetes who enroll in a health plan tailored to their medical condition are more likely to stick to their medication and actively take charge of their own health care, research into the effectiveness of the Diabetes Health Plan finds.

Researchers develop custom artificial membranes with programmable surfaces Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 PM PDT Researchers have developed artificial membranes with programmable features, enabling studies of cell communication and the molecular basis of disease. The new study demonstrates how researchers can examine the interactions of cell surfaces with other biological molecules, with far ranging applications in medicine, biochemistry and biophysics. Sleep loss impedes decision making in crisis, research shows Posted: 07 May 2015 01:54 PM PDT The difference between life and death in the operating room, on the battlefield or during a police shootout often comes down to the ability to adapt to the unexpected. Sleep deprivation may make it difficult to do so, according to a study that for the first time created a laboratory experiment that simulates how sleep loss affects critical aspects of decision making in high-stakes, real-world situations Ebola virus in patient’s eye fluid 10 weeks after it was undetectable in blood Posted: 07 May 2015 01:54 PM PDT Researchers are reporting a case study in which viable Ebola virus was present in the eye’s aqueous humor — the clear fluid in the front of the eye, between the lens and the cornea — 10 weeks after the virus was no longer detectable in the patient’s blood. Ecologist warns of bamboo fueling spread of hantavirus Posted: 07 May 2015 12:41 PM PDT The popularity of bamboo landscaping could increase the spread of hantavirus, researchers say, with the plant's prolific seed production creating a population boom among seed-eating deer mice that carry the disease. The opioid epidemic and its impact on orthopaedic care Posted: 07 May 2015 12:41 PM PDT The United States makes up less than five percent of the world's population but consumes 80 percent of the global opioid supply and approximately 99 percent of all hydrocodone -- the most commonly prescribed opioid in the world. Viagra to prevent transmission of the malaria parasite? Posted: 07 May 2015 12:39 PM PDT By increasing the stiffness of erythrocytes infected by the causal agent of malaria, Viagra favors their elimination from the blood circulation and may therefore reduce transmission of the parasite from humans to mosquitoes. This astonishing discovery could lead to a treatment to reduce the spread of malaria within a population Strong statin-diabetes link seen in large study Posted: 07 May 2015 11:53 AM PDT In a study of nearly 26,000 beneficiaries of Tricare, the military health system, those taking statin drugs to control their cholesterol were 87 percent more likely to develop diabetes. The research confirms past findings on the link between the widely prescribed drugs and diabetes risk. But it is among the first to show the connection in a relatively healthy group of people. The study included only people who at baseline were free of heart disease, diabetes, and other severe chronic disease. Light in sight: A step towards a potential therapy for acquired blindness Posted: 07 May 2015 11:52 AM PDT A promising new therapeutic approach for hereditary blindness based on a technology termed 'optogenetics' is to introduce light-sensing proteins into these surviving retinal cells, turning them into 'replacement photoreceptors' and thereby restoring vision. However, several factors limit the feasibility of a clinical optogenetic therapy using traditional light-sensitive proteins, as they require unnaturally high and potentially harmful light intensities and employ a foreign signaling mechanism within the target retinal cells. Chagas disease vaccine shows long-term protection in mice Posted: 07 May 2015 11:51 AM PDT Chagas disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and transmitted by insects in Latin America is among the most common tropical diseases, and so far without effective vaccine. A new study now shows that a candidate vaccine can induce long-lasting immunity against the parasite in mice Gene expression is key to understanding differences between individuals and disease susceptibility Posted: 07 May 2015 11:51 AM PDT The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project consortia has now published its results from their first pilot study contributing to a better understanding of genomic variation and give us new clues about disease susceptibility Naturally occurring amino acid could improve oral health Posted: 07 May 2015 10:59 AM PDT Arginine, a common amino acid found naturally in foods, breaks down dental plaque, which could help millions of people avoid cavities and gum disease, researchers have discovered. Potential new painkiller provides longer lasting effects Posted: 07 May 2015 10:59 AM PDT Medications have long been used to treat pain caused by injury or chronic conditions. Unfortunately, most are short-term fixes or cause side effects that limit their use. Researchers have discovered a new compound that offers longer lasting painkilling effects, and shows promise as an alternative to current anesthetics New care approach to colorectal operations speeds patients' recovery times Posted: 07 May 2015 09:29 AM PDT Patients undergoing colorectal operations who participated in an enhanced recovery program left the hospital sooner and had significantly lower hospital costs than patients who had the traditional approach to their care, according to a new study, which also found further postoperative improvements after adding an infection prevention protocol Snoring keeping you up at night? Posted: 07 May 2015 09:29 AM PDT In patients with primary snoring or mild OSA, oropharyngeal, or mouth and tongue, exercises significantly reduced the frequency of snoring by 36 percent and total power of snoring by 59 percent, a study concludes. Impact of post-treatment surveillance in head and neck squamous cell cancer Posted: 07 May 2015 08:42 AM PDT Compliance with post-treatment surveillance, income level and the travel distance for follow-up care had effects on survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer, according to a report Study links post-acute care hospital costs with lower survival rates Posted: 07 May 2015 08:40 AM PDT Spending on postacute care in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provides a key signal of inefficiency in the health care system, leading to higher spending and lower patient survival, experts say in a new report. Obesity, depression have role in excessive daytime sleepiness Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 AM PDT Obesity and depression – not only lack of sleep – are underlying causes for regular drowsiness, according to researchers. They say the findings could lead to more personalized sleep medicine for those with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS Photoactive dye could prevent infection during bone-repair surgery Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 AM PDT A green dye that sticks to bone grafts becomes antimicrobial with the flick of a light switch and could help reduce the risk of infections during bone-reconstruction surgeries, scientists report. In theory, they explain, the dye could be added to the currently used protocols for sterilizing the bone prior to use in surgery. Device created for faster skin biopsies without anesthesia Posted: 07 May 2015 05:24 AM PDT A new device for performing skin biopsies has been created by scientists. With this new tool a skin biopsy can be performed with fewer instruments and the length of the procedure is shortened from thirty minutes to less than five. Neither local anesthesia nor specialized personnel are required. As a result, faster diagnosis of pathologies such as skin cancer is possible Researchers sound out scaffolds for eardrum replacement Posted: 07 May 2015 05:24 AM PDT Tiny, complex scaffolds that mimic the intricate network of collagen fibers that form the human eardrum have been created by an international team of researchers. It is hoped the scaffolds can be used to replace eardrums when they become severely damaged, reducing the need for patients to have their own tissue used in reconstruction surgery. Detecting skin cancer quickly: Full body scanner helps diagnose skin conditions Posted: 07 May 2015 05:19 AM PDT Melanoma is aggressive and life-threatening. If it is not detected early, the prospects of recovery drop. Screening is complicated, though. Together with several project partners, researchers have developed an assistance system that helps dermatologists with diagnosis. Altering genes with the aid of light Posted: 08 May 2015 11:03 AM PDT Scientists have been manipulating genes for a while. Now researchers have found a way to control the process with higher precision, by using light. Master orchestrator of the genome is discovered, stem cell scientists report Posted: 08 May 2015 08:05 AM PDT New research shows how a single growth factor receptor protein programs the entire genome. The study provides evidence that it all begins with a single "master" growth factor receptor that regulates the entire genome. More sex doesn't lead to increased happiness Posted: 08 May 2015 07:58 AM PDT Countless research and self-help books claim that having more sex will lead to increased happiness, based on the common finding that those having more sex are also happier. Scientists now report that simply having more sex did not make couples happier, in part because the increased frequency led to a decline in wanting for and enjoyment of sex. Self-harm, suicide ideation tightly linked in Iraq, Afghanistan veterans Posted: 08 May 2015 06:16 AM PDT Non-suicidal self-injury -- that is, purposefully hurting oneself without conscious suicidal intent -- is relatively common among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and it is a strong risk factor for suicidal behavior, according to research. Search and rescue tool that pinpoints buried victims developed Posted: 08 May 2015 06:14 AM PDT A new locator feature on a search and rescue tool can pinpoint the location of a victim to within about five feet – saving rescuers time and increasing chances for locating survivors. Links between household air pollution, lung infections examined, including pneumonia Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT Scientists have come a step closer to understanding why people exposed to household air pollution (HAP) are at higher risk of lung infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Three billion people worldwide are exposed to HAP from the fuels they burn to cook, light and heat with at home. Frequently, charcoal, wood and food waste are burned and generate high concentrations of smoke particles. This exposure is associated with increased risk of pneumonia, particularly in low and middle income countries where bacterial pneumonia is the biggest cause of infant mortality. This risk is well known, but the reasons are not. Pioneering facial recognition cane for the blind Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT A revolutionary ‘smart’ cane enabling the visually impaired to instantly identify friends and family could be available soon, thanks to students at a British university. The ‘XploR’ mobility cane uses smartphone technology to recognize familiar faces from up to 10 metres away. The cane also features GPS functionality to aid navigation. 'Make like a bat’: Two ears attuned to high frequencies help people find objects using echoes Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT The ability that some people have to use echoes to determine the position of an otherwise silent object, in a similar way to bats and dolphins, requires good high-pitch hearing in both ears, according to new research. This builds on recent research that demonstrated conclusively that some sighted and blind people could use echoes in this way. What wasn't clear until now was how important high-frequency hearing in both ears is. Post-traumatic stress disorder linked to accelerated aging Posted: 08 May 2015 05:23 AM PDT People with PTSD may also be at risk for accelerated aging or premature senescence, research suggests. The researchers noted that there has not been another study that links PTSD, a psychological disorder with no established genetic basis, to a basic biological process such as aging. Malaria's doorway to infect blood cells identified; potential to close it, lock it, throw away the key Posted: 07 May 2015 06:29 PM PDT Scientists have identified a protein on the surface of human red blood cells that serves as an essential entry point for invasion by the malaria parasite. This discovery opens up a promising new avenue for the development of therapies to treat and prevent malaria Genetic changes to basic developmental processes evolve more frequently than thought Posted: 07 May 2015 11:50 AM PDT Newly evolved genes can rapidly assume control over fundamental functions during early embryonic development. The findings suggest that evolutionary changes to the genetics of fundamental biological processes occur more frequently than previously thought.

FDA  inspectors report long list of problems at Blue Bell plants Inspection teams from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported numerous problems after recent visits to three production facilities owned and operated by Blue Bell Creameries The company announced that it was recalling all products (ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and frozen desserts) manufactured at all of its plants after receiving positive Listeria... New form of DNA modification may carry inheritable information The surprising discovery and function of a new DNA modification in insects, worms, and algae has been described in a new article ’Super-cool' way to deliver drugs Some substances, when they undergo a process called 'rapid-freezing' or 'supercooling,' remain in liquid form -- even at below-freezing temperatures. A new study is the first to break down the rules governing the complex process of crystallization through rapid-cooling. Its findings may revolutionize the delivery of drugs in the human body, providing a way to 'freeze' the drugs at an optimal time and location in the body. Negative regulator of natural killer cell maturation discovered A new study has identified a regulatory pathway in natural killer cells that inhibits their maturation and homing behavior. Natural killer cells are one of the body's first lines of defense against viruses and cancer. The findings could lead to new strategies for boosting natural-killer cell activity against cancer and viral infections, scientists say. Employers and workers can join forces to keep diabetes under control People with diabetes who enroll in a health plan tailored to their medical condition are more likely to stick to their medication and actively take charge of their own health care, research into the effectiveness of the Diabetes Health Plan finds. Researchers develop custom artificial membranes with programmable surfaces Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 PM PDT Researchers have developed artificial membranes with programmable features, enabling studies of cell communication and the molecular basis of disease. The new study demonstrates how researchers can examine the interactions of cell surfaces with other biological molecules, with far ranging applications in medicine, biochemistry and biophysics. Sleep loss impedes decision making in crisis, research shows Posted: 07 May 2015 01:54 PM PDT The difference between life and death in the operating room, on the battlefield or during a police shootout often comes down to the ability to adapt to the unexpected. Sleep deprivation may make it difficult to do so, according to a study that for the first time created a laboratory experiment that simulates how sleep loss affects critical aspects of decision making in high-stakes, real-world situations Ebola virus in patient’s eye fluid 10 weeks after it was undetectable in blood Posted: 07 May 2015 01:54 PM PDT Researchers are reporting a case study in which viable Ebola virus was present in the eye’s aqueous humor — the clear fluid in the front of the eye, between the lens and the cornea — 10 weeks after the virus was no longer detectable in the patient’s blood. Ecologist warns of bamboo fueling spread of hantavirus Posted: 07 May 2015 12:41 PM PDT The popularity of bamboo landscaping could increase the spread of hantavirus, researchers say, with the plant's prolific seed production creating a population boom among seed-eating deer mice that carry the disease. The opioid epidemic and its impact on orthopaedic care Posted: 07 May 2015 12:41 PM PDT The United States makes up less than five percent of the world's population but consumes 80 percent of the global opioid supply and approximately 99 percent of all hydrocodone -- the most commonly prescribed opioid in the world. Viagra to prevent transmission of the malaria parasite? Posted: 07 May 2015 12:39 PM PDT By increasing the stiffness of erythrocytes infected by the causal agent of malaria, Viagra favors their elimination from the blood circulation and may therefore reduce transmission of the parasite from humans to mosquitoes. This astonishing discovery could lead to a treatment to reduce the spread of malaria within a population Strong statin-diabetes link seen in large study Posted: 07 May 2015 11:53 AM PDT In a study of nearly 26,000 beneficiaries of Tricare, the military health system, those taking statin drugs to control their cholesterol were 87 percent more likely to develop diabetes. The research confirms past findings on the link between the widely prescribed drugs and diabetes risk. But it is among the first to show the connection in a relatively healthy group of people. The study included only people who at baseline were free of heart disease, diabetes, and other severe chronic disease. Light in sight: A step towards a potential therapy for acquired blindness Posted: 07 May 2015 11:52 AM PDT A promising new therapeutic approach for hereditary blindness based on a technology termed 'optogenetics' is to introduce light-sensing proteins into these surviving retinal cells, turning them into 'replacement photoreceptors' and thereby restoring vision. However, several factors limit the feasibility of a clinical optogenetic therapy using traditional light-sensitive proteins, as they require unnaturally high and potentially harmful light intensities and employ a foreign signaling mechanism within the target retinal cells. Chagas disease vaccine shows long-term protection in mice Posted: 07 May 2015 11:51 AM PDT Chagas disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and transmitted by insects in Latin America is among the most common tropical diseases, and so far without effective vaccine. A new study now shows that a candidate vaccine can induce long-lasting immunity against the parasite in mice Gene expression is key to understanding differences between individuals and disease susceptibility Posted: 07 May 2015 11:51 AM PDT The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project consortia has now published its results from their first pilot study contributing to a better understanding of genomic variation and give us new clues about disease susceptibility Naturally occurring amino acid could improve oral health Posted: 07 May 2015 10:59 AM PDT Arginine, a common amino acid found naturally in foods, breaks down dental plaque, which could help millions of people avoid cavities and gum disease, researchers have discovered. Potential new painkiller provides longer lasting effects Posted: 07 May 2015 10:59 AM PDT Medications have long been used to treat pain caused by injury or chronic conditions. Unfortunately, most are short-term fixes or cause side effects that limit their use. Researchers have discovered a new compound that offers longer lasting painkilling effects, and shows promise as an alternative to current anesthetics New care approach to colorectal operations speeds patients' recovery times Posted: 07 May 2015 09:29 AM PDT Patients undergoing colorectal operations who participated in an enhanced recovery program left the hospital sooner and had significantly lower hospital costs than patients who had the traditional approach to their care, according to a new study, which also found further postoperative improvements after adding an infection prevention protocol Snoring keeping you up at night? Posted: 07 May 2015 09:29 AM PDT In patients with primary snoring or mild OSA, oropharyngeal, or mouth and tongue, exercises significantly reduced the frequency of snoring by 36 percent and total power of snoring by 59 percent, a study concludes. Impact of post-treatment surveillance in head and neck squamous cell cancer Posted: 07 May 2015 08:42 AM PDT Compliance with post-treatment surveillance, income level and the travel distance for follow-up care had effects on survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer, according to a report Study links post-acute care hospital costs with lower survival rates Posted: 07 May 2015 08:40 AM PDT Spending on postacute care in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provides a key signal of inefficiency in the health care system, leading to higher spending and lower patient survival, experts say in a new report. Obesity, depression have role in excessive daytime sleepiness Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 AM PDT Obesity and depression – not only lack of sleep – are underlying causes for regular drowsiness, according to researchers. They say the findings could lead to more personalized sleep medicine for those with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS Photoactive dye could prevent infection during bone-repair surgery Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 AM PDT A green dye that sticks to bone grafts becomes antimicrobial with the flick of a light switch and could help reduce the risk of infections during bone-reconstruction surgeries, scientists report. In theory, they explain, the dye could be added to the currently used protocols for sterilizing the bone prior to use in surgery. Device created for faster skin biopsies without anesthesia Posted: 07 May 2015 05:24 AM PDT A new device for performing skin biopsies has been created by scientists. With this new tool a skin biopsy can be performed with fewer instruments and the length of the procedure is shortened from thirty minutes to less than five. Neither local anesthesia nor specialized personnel are required. As a result, faster diagnosis of pathologies such as skin cancer is possible Researchers sound out scaffolds for eardrum replacement Posted: 07 May 2015 05:24 AM PDT Tiny, complex scaffolds that mimic the intricate network of collagen fibers that form the human eardrum have been created by an international team of researchers. It is hoped the scaffolds can be used to replace eardrums when they become severely damaged, reducing the need for patients to have their own tissue used in reconstruction surgery. Detecting skin cancer quickly: Full body scanner helps diagnose skin conditions Posted: 07 May 2015 05:19 AM PDT Melanoma is aggressive and life-threatening. If it is not detected early, the prospects of recovery drop. Screening is complicated, though. Together with several project partners, researchers have developed an assistance system that helps dermatologists with diagnosis. Altering genes with the aid of light Posted: 08 May 2015 11:03 AM PDT Scientists have been manipulating genes for a while. Now researchers have found a way to control the process with higher precision, by using light. Master orchestrator of the genome is discovered, stem cell scientists report Posted: 08 May 2015 08:05 AM PDT New research shows how a single growth factor receptor protein programs the entire genome. The study provides evidence that it all begins with a single "master" growth factor receptor that regulates the entire genome. More sex doesn't lead to increased happiness Posted: 08 May 2015 07:58 AM PDT Countless research and self-help books claim that having more sex will lead to increased happiness, based on the common finding that those having more sex are also happier. Scientists now report that simply having more sex did not make couples happier, in part because the increased frequency led to a decline in wanting for and enjoyment of sex. Self-harm, suicide ideation tightly linked in Iraq, Afghanistan veterans Posted: 08 May 2015 06:16 AM PDT Non-suicidal self-injury -- that is, purposefully hurting oneself without conscious suicidal intent -- is relatively common among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and it is a strong risk factor for suicidal behavior, according to research. Search and rescue tool that pinpoints buried victims developed Posted: 08 May 2015 06:14 AM PDT A new locator feature on a search and rescue tool can pinpoint the location of a victim to within about five feet – saving rescuers time and increasing chances for locating survivors. Links between household air pollution, lung infections examined, including pneumonia Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT Scientists have come a step closer to understanding why people exposed to household air pollution (HAP) are at higher risk of lung infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Three billion people worldwide are exposed to HAP from the fuels they burn to cook, light and heat with at home. Frequently, charcoal, wood and food waste are burned and generate high concentrations of smoke particles. This exposure is associated with increased risk of pneumonia, particularly in low and middle income countries where bacterial pneumonia is the biggest cause of infant mortality. This risk is well known, but the reasons are not. Pioneering facial recognition cane for the blind Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT A revolutionary ‘smart’ cane enabling the visually impaired to instantly identify friends and family could be available soon, thanks to students at a British university. The ‘XploR’ mobility cane uses smartphone technology to recognize familiar faces from up to 10 metres away. The cane also features GPS functionality to aid navigation. 'Make like a bat’: Two ears attuned to high frequencies help people find objects using echoes Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT The ability that some people have to use echoes to determine the position of an otherwise silent object, in a similar way to bats and dolphins, requires good high-pitch hearing in both ears, according to new research. This builds on recent research that demonstrated conclusively that some sighted and blind people could use echoes in this way. What wasn't clear until now was how important high-frequency hearing in both ears is. Post-traumatic stress disorder linked to accelerated aging Posted: 08 May 2015 05:23 AM PDT People with PTSD may also be at risk for accelerated aging or premature senescence, research suggests. The researchers noted that there has not been another study that links PTSD, a psychological disorder with no established genetic basis, to a basic biological process such as aging. Malaria's doorway to infect blood cells identified; potential to close it, lock it, throw away the key Posted: 07 May 2015 06:29 PM PDT Scientists have identified a protein on the surface of human red blood cells that serves as an essential entry point for invasion by the malaria parasite. This discovery opens up a promising new avenue for the development of therapies to treat and prevent malaria Genetic changes to basic developmental processes evolve more frequently than thought Posted: 07 May 2015 11:50 AM PDT Newly evolved genes can rapidly assume control over fundamental functions during early embryonic development. The findings suggest that evolutionary changes to the genetics of fundamental biological processes occur more frequently than previously thought. FDA  inspectors report long list of problems at Blue Bell plants Inspection teams from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported numerous problems after recent visits to three production facilities owned and operated by Blue Bell Creameries The company announced that it was recalling all products (ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and frozen desserts) manufactured at all of its plants after receiving positive Listeria... New form of DNA modification may carry inheritable information The surprising discovery and function of a new DNA modification in insects, worms, and algae has been described in a new article ’Super-cool' way to deliver drugs Some substances, when they undergo a process called 'rapid-freezing' or 'supercooling,' remain in liquid form -- even at below-freezing temperatures. A new study is the first to break down the rules governing the complex process of crystallization through rapid-cooling. Its findings may revolutionize the delivery of drugs in the human body, providing a way to 'freeze' the drugs at an optimal time and location in the body. Negative regulator of natural killer cell maturation discovered A new study has identified a regulatory pathway in natural killer cells that inhibits their maturation and homing behavior. Natural killer cells are one of the body's first lines of defense against viruses and cancer. The findings could lead to new strategies for boosting natural-killer cell activity against cancer and viral infections, scientists say. Employers and workers can join forces to keep diabetes under control People with diabetes who enroll in a health plan tailored to their medical condition are more likely to stick to their medication and actively take charge of their own health care, research into the effectiveness of the Diabetes Health Plan finds. Researchers develop custom artificial membranes with programmable surfaces Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 PM PDT Researchers have developed artificial membranes with programmable features, enabling studies of cell communication and the molecular basis of disease. The new study demonstrates how researchers can examine the interactions of cell surfaces with other biological molecules, with far ranging applications in medicine, biochemistry and biophysics. Sleep loss impedes decision making in crisis, research shows Posted: 07 May 2015 01:54 PM PDT The difference between life and death in the operating room, on the battlefield or during a police shootout often comes down to the ability to adapt to the unexpected. Sleep deprivation may make it difficult to do so, according to a study that for the first time created a laboratory experiment that simulates how sleep loss affects critical aspects of decision making in high-stakes, real-world situations Ebola virus in patient’s eye fluid 10 weeks after it was undetectable in blood Posted: 07 May 2015 01:54 PM PDT Researchers are reporting a case study in which viable Ebola virus was present in the eye’s aqueous humor — the clear fluid in the front of the eye, between the lens and the cornea — 10 weeks after the virus was no longer detectable in the patient’s blood. Ecologist warns of bamboo fueling spread of hantavirus Posted: 07 May 2015 12:41 PM PDT The popularity of bamboo landscaping could increase the spread of hantavirus, researchers say, with the plant's prolific seed production creating a population boom among seed-eating deer mice that carry the disease. The opioid epidemic and its impact on orthopaedic care Posted: 07 May 2015 12:41 PM PDT The United States makes up less than five percent of the world's population but consumes 80 percent of the global opioid supply and approximately 99 percent of all hydrocodone -- the most commonly prescribed opioid in the world. Viagra to prevent transmission of the malaria parasite? Posted: 07 May 2015 12:39 PM PDT By increasing the stiffness of erythrocytes infected by the causal agent of malaria, Viagra favors their elimination from the blood circulation and may therefore reduce transmission of the parasite from humans to mosquitoes. This astonishing discovery could lead to a treatment to reduce the spread of malaria within a population Strong statin-diabetes link seen in large study Posted: 07 May 2015 11:53 AM PDT In a study of nearly 26,000 beneficiaries of Tricare, the military health system, those taking statin drugs to control their cholesterol were 87 percent more likely to develop diabetes. The research confirms past findings on the link between the widely prescribed drugs and diabetes risk. But it is among the first to show the connection in a relatively healthy group of people. The study included only people who at baseline were free of heart disease, diabetes, and other severe chronic disease. Light in sight: A step towards a potential therapy for acquired blindness Posted: 07 May 2015 11:52 AM PDT A promising new therapeutic approach for hereditary blindness based on a technology termed 'optogenetics' is to introduce light-sensing proteins into these surviving retinal cells, turning them into 'replacement photoreceptors' and thereby restoring vision. However, several factors limit the feasibility of a clinical optogenetic therapy using traditional light-sensitive proteins, as they require unnaturally high and potentially harmful light intensities and employ a foreign signaling mechanism within the target retinal cells. Chagas disease vaccine shows long-term protection in mice Posted: 07 May 2015 11:51 AM PDT Chagas disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and transmitted by insects in Latin America is among the most common tropical diseases, and so far without effective vaccine. A new study now shows that a candidate vaccine can induce long-lasting immunity against the parasite in mice Gene expression is key to understanding differences between individuals and disease susceptibility Posted: 07 May 2015 11:51 AM PDT The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project consortia has now published its results from their first pilot study contributing to a better understanding of genomic variation and give us new clues about disease susceptibility Naturally occurring amino acid could improve oral health Posted: 07 May 2015 10:59 AM PDT Arginine, a common amino acid found naturally in foods, breaks down dental plaque, which could help millions of people avoid cavities and gum disease, researchers have discovered. Potential new painkiller provides longer lasting effects Posted: 07 May 2015 10:59 AM PDT Medications have long been used to treat pain caused by injury or chronic conditions. Unfortunately, most are short-term fixes or cause side effects that limit their use. Researchers have discovered a new compound that offers longer lasting painkilling effects, and shows promise as an alternative to current anesthetics New care approach to colorectal operations speeds patients' recovery times Posted: 07 May 2015 09:29 AM PDT Patients undergoing colorectal operations who participated in an enhanced recovery program left the hospital sooner and had significantly lower hospital costs than patients who had the traditional approach to their care, according to a new study, which also found further postoperative improvements after adding an infection prevention protocol Snoring keeping you up at night? Posted: 07 May 2015 09:29 AM PDT In patients with primary snoring or mild OSA, oropharyngeal, or mouth and tongue, exercises significantly reduced the frequency of snoring by 36 percent and total power of snoring by 59 percent, a study concludes. Impact of post-treatment surveillance in head and neck squamous cell cancer Posted: 07 May 2015 08:42 AM PDT Compliance with post-treatment surveillance, income level and the travel distance for follow-up care had effects on survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer, according to a report Study links post-acute care hospital costs with lower survival rates Posted: 07 May 2015 08:40 AM PDT Spending on postacute care in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provides a key signal of inefficiency in the health care system, leading to higher spending and lower patient survival, experts say in a new report. Obesity, depression have role in excessive daytime sleepiness Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 AM PDT Obesity and depression – not only lack of sleep – are underlying causes for regular drowsiness, according to researchers. They say the findings could lead to more personalized sleep medicine for those with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS Photoactive dye could prevent infection during bone-repair surgery Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 AM PDT A green dye that sticks to bone grafts becomes antimicrobial with the flick of a light switch and could help reduce the risk of infections during bone-reconstruction surgeries, scientists report. In theory, they explain, the dye could be added to the currently used protocols for sterilizing the bone prior to use in surgery. Device created for faster skin biopsies without anesthesia Posted: 07 May 2015 05:24 AM PDT A new device for performing skin biopsies has been created by scientists. With this new tool a skin biopsy can be performed with fewer instruments and the length of the procedure is shortened from thirty minutes to less than five. Neither local anesthesia nor specialized personnel are required. As a result, faster diagnosis of pathologies such as skin cancer is possible Researchers sound out scaffolds for eardrum replacement Posted: 07 May 2015 05:24 AM PDT Tiny, complex scaffolds that mimic the intricate network of collagen fibers that form the human eardrum have been created by an international team of researchers. It is hoped the scaffolds can be used to replace eardrums when they become severely damaged, reducing the need for patients to have their own tissue used in reconstruction surgery. Detecting skin cancer quickly: Full body scanner helps diagnose skin conditions Posted: 07 May 2015 05:19 AM PDT Melanoma is aggressive and life-threatening. If it is not detected early, the prospects of recovery drop. Screening is complicated, though. Together with several project partners, researchers have developed an assistance system that helps dermatologists with diagnosis. Altering genes with the aid of light Posted: 08 May 2015 11:03 AM PDT Scientists have been manipulating genes for a while. Now researchers have found a way to control the process with higher precision, by using light. Master orchestrator of the genome is discovered, stem cell scientists report Posted: 08 May 2015 08:05 AM PDT New research shows how a single growth factor receptor protein programs the entire genome. The study provides evidence that it all begins with a single "master" growth factor receptor that regulates the entire genome. More sex doesn't lead to increased happiness Posted: 08 May 2015 07:58 AM PDT Countless research and self-help books claim that having more sex will lead to increased happiness, based on the common finding that those having more sex are also happier. Scientists now report that simply having more sex did not make couples happier, in part because the increased frequency led to a decline in wanting for and enjoyment of sex. Self-harm, suicide ideation tightly linked in Iraq, Afghanistan veterans Posted: 08 May 2015 06:16 AM PDT Non-suicidal self-injury -- that is, purposefully hurting oneself without conscious suicidal intent -- is relatively common among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and it is a strong risk factor for suicidal behavior, according to research. Search and rescue tool that pinpoints buried victims developed Posted: 08 May 2015 06:14 AM PDT A new locator feature on a search and rescue tool can pinpoint the location of a victim to within about five feet – saving rescuers time and increasing chances for locating survivors. Links between household air pollution, lung infections examined, including pneumonia Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT Scientists have come a step closer to understanding why people exposed to household air pollution (HAP) are at higher risk of lung infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Three billion people worldwide are exposed to HAP from the fuels they burn to cook, light and heat with at home. Frequently, charcoal, wood and food waste are burned and generate high concentrations of smoke particles. This exposure is associated with increased risk of pneumonia, particularly in low and middle income countries where bacterial pneumonia is the biggest cause of infant mortality. This risk is well known, but the reasons are not. Pioneering facial recognition cane for the blind Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT A revolutionary ‘smart’ cane enabling the visually impaired to instantly identify friends and family could be available soon, thanks to students at a British university. The ‘XploR’ mobility cane uses smartphone technology to recognize familiar faces from up to 10 metres away. The cane also features GPS functionality to aid navigation. 'Make like a bat’: Two ears attuned to high frequencies help people find objects using echoes Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT The ability that some people have to use echoes to determine the position of an otherwise silent object, in a similar way to bats and dolphins, requires good high-pitch hearing in both ears, according to new research. This builds on recent research that demonstrated conclusively that some sighted and blind people could use echoes in this way. What wasn't clear until now was how important high-frequency hearing in both ears is. Post-traumatic stress disorder linked to accelerated aging Posted: 08 May 2015 05:23 AM PDT People with PTSD may also be at risk for accelerated aging or premature senescence, research suggests. The researchers noted that there has not been another study that links PTSD, a psychological disorder with no established genetic basis, to a basic biological process such as aging. Malaria's doorway to infect blood cells identified; potential to close it, lock it, throw away the key Posted: 07 May 2015 06:29 PM PDT Scientists have identified a protein on the surface of human red blood cells that serves as an essential entry point for invasion by the malaria parasite. This discovery opens up a promising new avenue for the development of therapies to treat and prevent malaria Genetic changes to basic developmental processes evolve more frequently than thought Posted: 07 May 2015 11:50 AM PDT Newly evolved genes can rapidly assume control over fundamental functions during early embryonic development. The findings suggest that evolutionary changes to the genetics of fundamental biological processes occur more frequently than previously thought. FDA  inspectors report long list of problems at Blue Bell plants Inspection teams from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported numerous problems after recent visits to three production facilities owned and operated by Blue Bell Creameries The company announced that it was recalling all products (ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and frozen desserts) manufactured at all of its plants after receiving positive Listeria... New form of DNA modification may carry inheritable information The surprising discovery and function of a new DNA modification in insects, worms, and algae has been described in a new article ’Super-cool' way to deliver drugs Some substances, when they undergo a process called 'rapid-freezing' or 'supercooling,' remain in liquid form -- even at below-freezing temperatures. A new study is the first to break down the rules governing the complex process of crystallization through rapid-cooling. Its findings may revolutionize the delivery of drugs in the human body, providing a way to 'freeze' the drugs at an optimal time and location in the body. Negative regulator of natural killer cell maturation discovered A new study has identified a regulatory pathway in natural killer cells that inhibits their maturation and homing behavior. Natural killer cells are one of the body's first lines of defense against viruses and cancer. The findings could lead to new strategies for boosting natural-killer cell activity against cancer and viral infections, scientists say. Employers and workers can join forces to keep diabetes under control People with diabetes who enroll in a health plan tailored to their medical condition are more likely to stick to their medication and actively take charge of their own health care, research into the effectiveness of the Diabetes Health Plan finds. Researchers develop custom artificial membranes with programmable surfaces Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 PM PDT Researchers have developed artificial membranes with programmable features, enabling studies of cell communication and the molecular basis of disease. The new study demonstrates how researchers can examine the interactions of cell surfaces with other biological molecules, with far ranging applications in medicine, biochemistry and biophysics. Sleep loss impedes decision making in crisis, research shows Posted: 07 May 2015 01:54 PM PDT The difference between life and death in the operating room, on the battlefield or during a police shootout often comes down to the ability to adapt to the unexpected. Sleep deprivation may make it difficult to do so, according to a study that for the first time created a laboratory experiment that simulates how sleep loss affects critical aspects of decision making in high-stakes, real-world situations Ebola virus in patient’s eye fluid 10 weeks after it was undetectable in blood Posted: 07 May 2015 01:54 PM PDT Researchers are reporting a case study in which viable Ebola virus was present in the eye’s aqueous humor — the clear fluid in the front of the eye, between the lens and the cornea — 10 weeks after the virus was no longer detectable in the patient’s blood. Ecologist warns of bamboo fueling spread of hantavirus Posted: 07 May 2015 12:41 PM PDT The popularity of bamboo landscaping could increase the spread of hantavirus, researchers say, with the plant's prolific seed production creating a population boom among seed-eating deer mice that carry the disease. The opioid epidemic and its impact on orthopaedic care Posted: 07 May 2015 12:41 PM PDT The United States makes up less than five percent of the world's population but consumes 80 percent of the global opioid supply and approximately 99 percent of all hydrocodone -- the most commonly prescribed opioid in the world. Viagra to prevent transmission of the malaria parasite? Posted: 07 May 2015 12:39 PM PDT By increasing the stiffness of erythrocytes infected by the causal agent of malaria, Viagra favors their elimination from the blood circulation and may therefore reduce transmission of the parasite from humans to mosquitoes. This astonishing discovery could lead to a treatment to reduce the spread of malaria within a population Strong statin-diabetes link seen in large study Posted: 07 May 2015 11:53 AM PDT In a study of nearly 26,000 beneficiaries of Tricare, the military health system, those taking statin drugs to control their cholesterol were 87 percent more likely to develop diabetes. The research confirms past findings on the link between the widely prescribed drugs and diabetes risk. But it is among the first to show the connection in a relatively healthy group of people. The study included only people who at baseline were free of heart disease, diabetes, and other severe chronic disease. Light in sight: A step towards a potential therapy for acquired blindness Posted: 07 May 2015 11:52 AM PDT A promising new therapeutic approach for hereditary blindness based on a technology termed 'optogenetics' is to introduce light-sensing proteins into these surviving retinal cells, turning them into 'replacement photoreceptors' and thereby restoring vision. However, several factors limit the feasibility of a clinical optogenetic therapy using traditional light-sensitive proteins, as they require unnaturally high and potentially harmful light intensities and employ a foreign signaling mechanism within the target retinal cells. Chagas disease vaccine shows long-term protection in mice Posted: 07 May 2015 11:51 AM PDT Chagas disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and transmitted by insects in Latin America is among the most common tropical diseases, and so far without effective vaccine. A new study now shows that a candidate vaccine can induce long-lasting immunity against the parasite in mice Gene expression is key to understanding differences between individuals and disease susceptibility Posted: 07 May 2015 11:51 AM PDT The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project consortia has now published its results from their first pilot study contributing to a better understanding of genomic variation and give us new clues about disease susceptibility Naturally occurring amino acid could improve oral health Posted: 07 May 2015 10:59 AM PDT Arginine, a common amino acid found naturally in foods, breaks down dental plaque, which could help millions of people avoid cavities and gum disease, researchers have discovered. Potential new painkiller provides longer lasting effects Posted: 07 May 2015 10:59 AM PDT Medications have long been used to treat pain caused by injury or chronic conditions. Unfortunately, most are short-term fixes or cause side effects that limit their use. Researchers have discovered a new compound that offers longer lasting painkilling effects, and shows promise as an alternative to current anesthetics New care approach to colorectal operations speeds patients' recovery times Posted: 07 May 2015 09:29 AM PDT Patients undergoing colorectal operations who participated in an enhanced recovery program left the hospital sooner and had significantly lower hospital costs than patients who had the traditional approach to their care, according to a new study, which also found further postoperative improvements after adding an infection prevention protocol Snoring keeping you up at night? Posted: 07 May 2015 09:29 AM PDT In patients with primary snoring or mild OSA, oropharyngeal, or mouth and tongue, exercises significantly reduced the frequency of snoring by 36 percent and total power of snoring by 59 percent, a study concludes. Impact of post-treatment surveillance in head and neck squamous cell cancer Posted: 07 May 2015 08:42 AM PDT Compliance with post-treatment surveillance, income level and the travel distance for follow-up care had effects on survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer, according to a report Study links post-acute care hospital costs with lower survival rates Posted: 07 May 2015 08:40 AM PDT Spending on postacute care in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provides a key signal of inefficiency in the health care system, leading to higher spending and lower patient survival, experts say in a new report. Obesity, depression have role in excessive daytime sleepiness Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 AM PDT Obesity and depression – not only lack of sleep – are underlying causes for regular drowsiness, according to researchers. They say the findings could lead to more personalized sleep medicine for those with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS Photoactive dye could prevent infection during bone-repair surgery Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 AM PDT A green dye that sticks to bone grafts becomes antimicrobial with the flick of a light switch and could help reduce the risk of infections during bone-reconstruction surgeries, scientists report. In theory, they explain, the dye could be added to the currently used protocols for sterilizing the bone prior to use in surgery. Device created for faster skin biopsies without anesthesia Posted: 07 May 2015 05:24 AM PDT A new device for performing skin biopsies has been created by scientists. With this new tool a skin biopsy can be performed with fewer instruments and the length of the procedure is shortened from thirty minutes to less than five. Neither local anesthesia nor specialized personnel are required. As a result, faster diagnosis of pathologies such as skin cancer is possible Researchers sound out scaffolds for eardrum replacement Posted: 07 May 2015 05:24 AM PDT Tiny, complex scaffolds that mimic the intricate network of collagen fibers that form the human eardrum have been created by an international team of researchers. It is hoped the scaffolds can be used to replace eardrums when they become severely damaged, reducing the need for patients to have their own tissue used in reconstruction surgery. Detecting skin cancer quickly: Full body scanner helps diagnose skin conditions Posted: 07 May 2015 05:19 AM PDT Melanoma is aggressive and life-threatening. If it is not detected early, the prospects of recovery drop. Screening is complicated, though. Together with several project partners, researchers have developed an assistance system that helps dermatologists with diagnosis. Altering genes with the aid of light Posted: 08 May 2015 11:03 AM PDT Scientists have been manipulating genes for a while. Now researchers have found a way to control the process with higher precision, by using light. Master orchestrator of the genome is discovered, stem cell scientists report Posted: 08 May 2015 08:05 AM PDT New research shows how a single growth factor receptor protein programs the entire genome. The study provides evidence that it all begins with a single "master" growth factor receptor that regulates the entire genome. More sex doesn't lead to increased happiness Posted: 08 May 2015 07:58 AM PDT Countless research and self-help books claim that having more sex will lead to increased happiness, based on the common finding that those having more sex are also happier. Scientists now report that simply having more sex did not make couples happier, in part because the increased frequency led to a decline in wanting for and enjoyment of sex. Self-harm, suicide ideation tightly linked in Iraq, Afghanistan veterans Posted: 08 May 2015 06:16 AM PDT Non-suicidal self-injury -- that is, purposefully hurting oneself without conscious suicidal intent -- is relatively common among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and it is a strong risk factor for suicidal behavior, according to research. Search and rescue tool that pinpoints buried victims developed Posted: 08 May 2015 06:14 AM PDT A new locator feature on a search and rescue tool can pinpoint the location of a victim to within about five feet – saving rescuers time and increasing chances for locating survivors. Links between household air pollution, lung infections examined, including pneumonia Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT Scientists have come a step closer to understanding why people exposed to household air pollution (HAP) are at higher risk of lung infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Three billion people worldwide are exposed to HAP from the fuels they burn to cook, light and heat with at home. Frequently, charcoal, wood and food waste are burned and generate high concentrations of smoke particles. This exposure is associated with increased risk of pneumonia, particularly in low and middle income countries where bacterial pneumonia is the biggest cause of infant mortality. This risk is well known, but the reasons are not. Pioneering facial recognition cane for the blind Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT A revolutionary ‘smart’ cane enabling the visually impaired to instantly identify friends and family could be available soon, thanks to students at a British university. The ‘XploR’ mobility cane uses smartphone technology to recognize familiar faces from up to 10 metres away. The cane also features GPS functionality to aid navigation. 'Make like a bat’: Two ears attuned to high frequencies help people find objects using echoes Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT The ability that some people have to use echoes to determine the position of an otherwise silent object, in a similar way to bats and dolphins, requires good high-pitch hearing in both ears, according to new research. This builds on recent research that demonstrated conclusively that some sighted and blind people could use echoes in this way. What wasn't clear until now was how important high-frequency hearing in both ears is. Post-traumatic stress disorder linked to accelerated aging Posted: 08 May 2015 05:23 AM PDT People with PTSD may also be at risk for accelerated aging or premature senescence, research suggests. The researchers noted that there has not been another study that links PTSD, a psychological disorder with no established genetic basis, to a basic biological process such as aging. Malaria's doorway to infect blood cells identified; potential to close it, lock it, throw away the key Posted: 07 May 2015 06:29 PM PDT Scientists have identified a protein on the surface of human red blood cells that serves as an essential entry point for invasion by the malaria parasite. This discovery opens up a promising new avenue for the development of therapies to treat and prevent malaria Genetic changes to basic developmental processes evolve more frequently than thought Posted: 07 May 2015 11:50 AM PDT Newly evolved genes can rapidly assume control over fundamental functions during early embryonic development. The findings suggest that evolutionary changes to the genetics of fundamental biological processes occur more frequently than previously thought. FDA  inspectors report long list of problems at Blue Bell plants Inspection teams from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported numerous problems after recent visits to three production facilities owned and operated by Blue Bell Creameries The company announced that it was recalling all products (ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and frozen desserts) manufactured at all of its plants after receiving positive Listeria... New form of DNA modification may carry inheritable information The surprising discovery and function of a new DNA modification in insects, worms, and algae has been described in a new article ’Super-cool' way to deliver drugs Some substances, when they undergo a process called 'rapid-freezing' or 'supercooling,' remain in liquid form -- even at below-freezing temperatures. A new study is the first to break down the rules governing the complex process of crystallization through rapid-cooling. Its findings may revolutionize the delivery of drugs in the human body, providing a way to 'freeze' the drugs at an optimal time and location in the body. Negative regulator of natural killer cell maturation discovered A new study has identified a regulatory pathway in natural killer cells that inhibits their maturation and homing behavior. Natural killer cells are one of the body's first lines of defense against viruses and cancer. The findings could lead to new strategies for boosting natural-killer cell activity against cancer and viral infections, scientists say. Employers and workers can join forces to keep diabetes under control People with diabetes who enroll in a health plan tailored to their medical condition are more likely to stick to their medication and actively take charge of their own health care, research into the effectiveness of the Diabetes Health Plan finds. Researchers develop custom artificial membranes with programmable surfaces Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 PM PDT Researchers have developed artificial membranes with programmable features, enabling studies of cell communication and the molecular basis of disease. The new study demonstrates how researchers can examine the interactions of cell surfaces with other biological molecules, with far ranging applications in medicine, biochemistry and biophysics. Sleep loss impedes decision making in crisis, research shows Posted: 07 May 2015 01:54 PM PDT The difference between life and death in the operating room, on the battlefield or during a police shootout often comes down to the ability to adapt to the unexpected. Sleep deprivation may make it difficult to do so, according to a study that for the first time created a laboratory experiment that simulates how sleep loss affects critical aspects of decision making in high-stakes, real-world situations Ebola virus in patient’s eye fluid 10 weeks after it was undetectable in blood Posted: 07 May 2015 01:54 PM PDT Researchers are reporting a case study in which viable Ebola virus was present in the eye’s aqueous humor — the clear fluid in the front of the eye, between the lens and the cornea — 10 weeks after the virus was no longer detectable in the patient’s blood. Ecologist warns of bamboo fueling spread of hantavirus Posted: 07 May 2015 12:41 PM PDT The popularity of bamboo landscaping could increase the spread of hantavirus, researchers say, with the plant's prolific seed production creating a population boom among seed-eating deer mice that carry the disease. The opioid epidemic and its impact on orthopaedic care Posted: 07 May 2015 12:41 PM PDT The United States makes up less than five percent of the world's population but consumes 80 percent of the global opioid supply and approximately 99 percent of all hydrocodone -- the most commonly prescribed opioid in the world. Viagra to prevent transmission of the malaria parasite? Posted: 07 May 2015 12:39 PM PDT By increasing the stiffness of erythrocytes infected by the causal agent of malaria, Viagra favors their elimination from the blood circulation and may therefore reduce transmission of the parasite from humans to mosquitoes. This astonishing discovery could lead to a treatment to reduce the spread of malaria within a population Strong statin-diabetes link seen in large study Posted: 07 May 2015 11:53 AM PDT In a study of nearly 26,000 beneficiaries of Tricare, the military health system, those taking statin drugs to control their cholesterol were 87 percent more likely to develop diabetes. The research confirms past findings on the link between the widely prescribed drugs and diabetes risk. But it is among the first to show the connection in a relatively healthy group of people. The study included only people who at baseline were free of heart disease, diabetes, and other severe chronic disease. Light in sight: A step towards a potential therapy for acquired blindness Posted: 07 May 2015 11:52 AM PDT A promising new therapeutic approach for hereditary blindness based on a technology termed 'optogenetics' is to introduce light-sensing proteins into these surviving retinal cells, turning them into 'replacement photoreceptors' and thereby restoring vision. However, several factors limit the feasibility of a clinical optogenetic therapy using traditional light-sensitive proteins, as they require unnaturally high and potentially harmful light intensities and employ a foreign signaling mechanism within the target retinal cells. Chagas disease vaccine shows long-term protection in mice Posted: 07 May 2015 11:51 AM PDT Chagas disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and transmitted by insects in Latin America is among the most common tropical diseases, and so far without effective vaccine. A new study now shows that a candidate vaccine can induce long-lasting immunity against the parasite in mice Gene expression is key to understanding differences between individuals and disease susceptibility Posted: 07 May 2015 11:51 AM PDT The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project consortia has now published its results from their first pilot study contributing to a better understanding of genomic variation and give us new clues about disease susceptibility Naturally occurring amino acid could improve oral health Posted: 07 May 2015 10:59 AM PDT Arginine, a common amino acid found naturally in foods, breaks down dental plaque, which could help millions of people avoid cavities and gum disease, researchers have discovered. Potential new painkiller provides longer lasting effects Posted: 07 May 2015 10:59 AM PDT Medications have long been used to treat pain caused by injury or chronic conditions. Unfortunately, most are short-term fixes or cause side effects that limit their use. Researchers have discovered a new compound that offers longer lasting painkilling effects, and shows promise as an alternative to current anesthetics New care approach to colorectal operations speeds patients' recovery times Posted: 07 May 2015 09:29 AM PDT Patients undergoing colorectal operations who participated in an enhanced recovery program left the hospital sooner and had significantly lower hospital costs than patients who had the traditional approach to their care, according to a new study, which also found further postoperative improvements after adding an infection prevention protocol Snoring keeping you up at night? Posted: 07 May 2015 09:29 AM PDT In patients with primary snoring or mild OSA, oropharyngeal, or mouth and tongue, exercises significantly reduced the frequency of snoring by 36 percent and total power of snoring by 59 percent, a study concludes. Impact of post-treatment surveillance in head and neck squamous cell cancer Posted: 07 May 2015 08:42 AM PDT Compliance with post-treatment surveillance, income level and the travel distance for follow-up care had effects on survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer, according to a report Study links post-acute care hospital costs with lower survival rates Posted: 07 May 2015 08:40 AM PDT Spending on postacute care in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provides a key signal of inefficiency in the health care system, leading to higher spending and lower patient survival, experts say in a new report. Obesity, depression have role in excessive daytime sleepiness Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 AM PDT Obesity and depression – not only lack of sleep – are underlying causes for regular drowsiness, according to researchers. They say the findings could lead to more personalized sleep medicine for those with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS Photoactive dye could prevent infection during bone-repair surgery Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 AM PDT A green dye that sticks to bone grafts becomes antimicrobial with the flick of a light switch and could help reduce the risk of infections during bone-reconstruction surgeries, scientists report. In theory, they explain, the dye could be added to the currently used protocols for sterilizing the bone prior to use in surgery. Device created for faster skin biopsies without anesthesia Posted: 07 May 2015 05:24 AM PDT A new device for performing skin biopsies has been created by scientists. With this new tool a skin biopsy can be performed with fewer instruments and the length of the procedure is shortened from thirty minutes to less than five. Neither local anesthesia nor specialized personnel are required. As a result, faster diagnosis of pathologies such as skin cancer is possible Researchers sound out scaffolds for eardrum replacement Posted: 07 May 2015 05:24 AM PDT Tiny, complex scaffolds that mimic the intricate network of collagen fibers that form the human eardrum have been created by an international team of researchers. It is hoped the scaffolds can be used to replace eardrums when they become severely damaged, reducing the need for patients to have their own tissue used in reconstruction surgery. Detecting skin cancer quickly: Full body scanner helps diagnose skin conditions Posted: 07 May 2015 05:19 AM PDT Melanoma is aggressive and life-threatening. If it is not detected early, the prospects of recovery drop. Screening is complicated, though. Together with several project partners, researchers have developed an assistance system that helps dermatologists with diagnosis. Altering genes with the aid of light Posted: 08 May 2015 11:03 AM PDT Scientists have been manipulating genes for a while. Now researchers have found a way to control the process with higher precision, by using light. Master orchestrator of the genome is discovered, stem cell scientists report Posted: 08 May 2015 08:05 AM PDT New research shows how a single growth factor receptor protein programs the entire genome. The study provides evidence that it all begins with a single "master" growth factor receptor that regulates the entire genome. More sex doesn't lead to increased happiness Posted: 08 May 2015 07:58 AM PDT Countless research and self-help books claim that having more sex will lead to increased happiness, based on the common finding that those having more sex are also happier. Scientists now report that simply having more sex did not make couples happier, in part because the increased frequency led to a decline in wanting for and enjoyment of sex. Self-harm, suicide ideation tightly linked in Iraq, Afghanistan veterans Posted: 08 May 2015 06:16 AM PDT Non-suicidal self-injury -- that is, purposefully hurting oneself without conscious suicidal intent -- is relatively common among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and it is a strong risk factor for suicidal behavior, according to research. Search and rescue tool that pinpoints buried victims developed Posted: 08 May 2015 06:14 AM PDT A new locator feature on a search and rescue tool can pinpoint the location of a victim to within about five feet – saving rescuers time and increasing chances for locating survivors. Links between household air pollution, lung infections examined, including pneumonia Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT Scientists have come a step closer to understanding why people exposed to household air pollution (HAP) are at higher risk of lung infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Three billion people worldwide are exposed to HAP from the fuels they burn to cook, light and heat with at home. Frequently, charcoal, wood and food waste are burned and generate high concentrations of smoke particles. This exposure is associated with increased risk of pneumonia, particularly in low and middle income countries where bacterial pneumonia is the biggest cause of infant mortality. This risk is well known, but the reasons are not. Pioneering facial recognition cane for the blind Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT A revolutionary ‘smart’ cane enabling the visually impaired to instantly identify friends and family could be available soon, thanks to students at a British university. The ‘XploR’ mobility cane uses smartphone technology to recognize familiar faces from up to 10 metres away. The cane also features GPS functionality to aid navigation. 'Make like a bat’: Two ears attuned to high frequencies help people find objects using echoes Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT The ability that some people have to use echoes to determine the position of an otherwise silent object, in a similar way to bats and dolphins, requires good high-pitch hearing in both ears, according to new research. This builds on recent research that demonstrated conclusively that some sighted and blind people could use echoes in this way. What wasn't clear until now was how important high-frequency hearing in both ears is. Post-traumatic stress disorder linked to accelerated aging Posted: 08 May 2015 05:23 AM PDT People with PTSD may also be at risk for accelerated aging or premature senescence, research suggests. The researchers noted that there has not been another study that links PTSD, a psychological disorder with no established genetic basis, to a basic biological process such as aging. Malaria's doorway to infect blood cells identified; potential to close it, lock it, throw away the key Posted: 07 May 2015 06:29 PM PDT Scientists have identified a protein on the surface of human red blood cells that serves as an essential entry point for invasion by the malaria parasite. This discovery opens up a promising new avenue for the development of therapies to treat and prevent malaria Genetic changes to basic developmental processes evolve more frequently than thought Posted: 07 May 2015 11:50 AM PDT Newly evolved genes can rapidly assume control over fundamental functions during early embryonic development. The findings suggest that evolutionary changes to the genetics of fundamental biological processes occur more frequently than previously thought. FDA  inspectors report long list of problems at Blue Bell plants Inspection teams from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported numerous problems after recent visits to three production facilities owned and operated by Blue Bell Creameries The company announced that it was recalling all products (ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and frozen desserts) manufactured at all of its plants after receiving positive Listeria... New form of DNA modification may carry inheritable information The surprising discovery and function of a new DNA modification in insects, worms, and algae has been described in a new article ’Super-cool' way to deliver drugs Some substances, when they undergo a process called 'rapid-freezing' or 'supercooling,' remain in liquid form -- even at below-freezing temperatures. A new study is the first to break down the rules governing the complex process of crystallization through rapid-cooling. Its findings may revolutionize the delivery of drugs in the human body, providing a way to 'freeze' the drugs at an optimal time and location in the body. Negative regulator of natural killer cell maturation discovered A new study has identified a regulatory pathway in natural killer cells that inhibits their maturation and homing behavior. Natural killer cells are one of the body's first lines of defense against viruses and cancer. The findings could lead to new strategies for boosting natural-killer cell activity against cancer and viral infections, scientists say. Employers and workers can join forces to keep diabetes under control People with diabetes who enroll in a health plan tailored to their medical condition are more likely to stick to their medication and actively take charge of their own health care, research into the effectiveness of the Diabetes Health Plan finds. Researchers develop custom artificial membranes with programmable surfaces Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 PM PDT Researchers have developed artificial membranes with programmable features, enabling studies of cell communication and the molecular basis of disease. The new study demonstrates how researchers can examine the interactions of cell surfaces with other biological molecules, with far ranging applications in medicine, biochemistry and biophysics. Sleep loss impedes decision making in crisis, research shows Posted: 07 May 2015 01:54 PM PDT The difference between life and death in the operating room, on the battlefield or during a police shootout often comes down to the ability to adapt to the unexpected. Sleep deprivation may make it difficult to do so, according to a study that for the first time created a laboratory experiment that simulates how sleep loss affects critical aspects of decision making in high-stakes, real-world situations Ebola virus in patient’s eye fluid 10 weeks after it was undetectable in blood Posted: 07 May 2015 01:54 PM PDT Researchers are reporting a case study in which viable Ebola virus was present in the eye’s aqueous humor — the clear fluid in the front of the eye, between the lens and the cornea — 10 weeks after the virus was no longer detectable in the patient’s blood. Ecologist warns of bamboo fueling spread of hantavirus Posted: 07 May 2015 12:41 PM PDT The popularity of bamboo landscaping could increase the spread of hantavirus, researchers say, with the plant's prolific seed production creating a population boom among seed-eating deer mice that carry the disease. The opioid epidemic and its impact on orthopaedic care Posted: 07 May 2015 12:41 PM PDT The United States makes up less than five percent of the world's population but consumes 80 percent of the global opioid supply and approximately 99 percent of all hydrocodone -- the most commonly prescribed opioid in the world. Viagra to prevent transmission of the malaria parasite? Posted: 07 May 2015 12:39 PM PDT By increasing the stiffness of erythrocytes infected by the causal agent of malaria, Viagra favors their elimination from the blood circulation and may therefore reduce transmission of the parasite from humans to mosquitoes. This astonishing discovery could lead to a treatment to reduce the spread of malaria within a population Strong statin-diabetes link seen in large study Posted: 07 May 2015 11:53 AM PDT In a study of nearly 26,000 beneficiaries of Tricare, the military health system, those taking statin drugs to control their cholesterol were 87 percent more likely to develop diabetes. The research confirms past findings on the link between the widely prescribed drugs and diabetes risk. But it is among the first to show the connection in a relatively healthy group of people. The study included only people who at baseline were free of heart disease, diabetes, and other severe chronic disease. Light in sight: A step towards a potential therapy for acquired blindness Posted: 07 May 2015 11:52 AM PDT A promising new therapeutic approach for hereditary blindness based on a technology termed 'optogenetics' is to introduce light-sensing proteins into these surviving retinal cells, turning them into 'replacement photoreceptors' and thereby restoring vision. However, several factors limit the feasibility of a clinical optogenetic therapy using traditional light-sensitive proteins, as they require unnaturally high and potentially harmful light intensities and employ a foreign signaling mechanism within the target retinal cells. Chagas disease vaccine shows long-term protection in mice Posted: 07 May 2015 11:51 AM PDT Chagas disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and transmitted by insects in Latin America is among the most common tropical diseases, and so far without effective vaccine. A new study now shows that a candidate vaccine can induce long-lasting immunity against the parasite in mice Gene expression is key to understanding differences between individuals and disease susceptibility Posted: 07 May 2015 11:51 AM PDT The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project consortia has now published its results from their first pilot study contributing to a better understanding of genomic variation and give us new clues about disease susceptibility Naturally occurring amino acid could improve oral health Posted: 07 May 2015 10:59 AM PDT Arginine, a common amino acid found naturally in foods, breaks down dental plaque, which could help millions of people avoid cavities and gum disease, researchers have discovered. Potential new painkiller provides longer lasting effects Posted: 07 May 2015 10:59 AM PDT Medications have long been used to treat pain caused by injury or chronic conditions. Unfortunately, most are short-term fixes or cause side effects that limit their use. Researchers have discovered a new compound that offers longer lasting painkilling effects, and shows promise as an alternative to current anesthetics New care approach to colorectal operations speeds patients' recovery times Posted: 07 May 2015 09:29 AM PDT Patients undergoing colorectal operations who participated in an enhanced recovery program left the hospital sooner and had significantly lower hospital costs than patients who had the traditional approach to their care, according to a new study, which also found further postoperative improvements after adding an infection prevention protocol Snoring keeping you up at night? Posted: 07 May 2015 09:29 AM PDT In patients with primary snoring or mild OSA, oropharyngeal, or mouth and tongue, exercises significantly reduced the frequency of snoring by 36 percent and total power of snoring by 59 percent, a study concludes. Impact of post-treatment surveillance in head and neck squamous cell cancer Posted: 07 May 2015 08:42 AM PDT Compliance with post-treatment surveillance, income level and the travel distance for follow-up care had effects on survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer, according to a report Study links post-acute care hospital costs with lower survival rates Posted: 07 May 2015 08:40 AM PDT Spending on postacute care in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provides a key signal of inefficiency in the health care system, leading to higher spending and lower patient survival, experts say in a new report. Obesity, depression have role in excessive daytime sleepiness Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 AM PDT Obesity and depression – not only lack of sleep – are underlying causes for regular drowsiness, according to researchers. They say the findings could lead to more personalized sleep medicine for those with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS Photoactive dye could prevent infection during bone-repair surgery Posted: 07 May 2015 06:31 AM PDT A green dye that sticks to bone grafts becomes antimicrobial with the flick of a light switch and could help reduce the risk of infections during bone-reconstruction surgeries, scientists report. In theory, they explain, the dye could be added to the currently used protocols for sterilizing the bone prior to use in surgery. Device created for faster skin biopsies without anesthesia Posted: 07 May 2015 05:24 AM PDT A new device for performing skin biopsies has been created by scientists. With this new tool a skin biopsy can be performed with fewer instruments and the length of the procedure is shortened from thirty minutes to less than five. Neither local anesthesia nor specialized personnel are required. As a result, faster diagnosis of pathologies such as skin cancer is possible Researchers sound out scaffolds for eardrum replacement Posted: 07 May 2015 05:24 AM PDT Tiny, complex scaffolds that mimic the intricate network of collagen fibers that form the human eardrum have been created by an international team of researchers. It is hoped the scaffolds can be used to replace eardrums when they become severely damaged, reducing the need for patients to have their own tissue used in reconstruction surgery. Detecting skin cancer quickly: Full body scanner helps diagnose skin conditions Posted: 07 May 2015 05:19 AM PDT Melanoma is aggressive and life-threatening. If it is not detected early, the prospects of recovery drop. Screening is complicated, though. Together with several project partners, researchers have developed an assistance system that helps dermatologists with diagnosis. Altering genes with the aid of light Posted: 08 May 2015 11:03 AM PDT Scientists have been manipulating genes for a while. Now researchers have found a way to control the process with higher precision, by using light. Master orchestrator of the genome is discovered, stem cell scientists report Posted: 08 May 2015 08:05 AM PDT New research shows how a single growth factor receptor protein programs the entire genome. The study provides evidence that it all begins with a single "master" growth factor receptor that regulates the entire genome. More sex doesn't lead to increased happiness Posted: 08 May 2015 07:58 AM PDT Countless research and self-help books claim that having more sex will lead to increased happiness, based on the common finding that those having more sex are also happier. Scientists now report that simply having more sex did not make couples happier, in part because the increased frequency led to a decline in wanting for and enjoyment of sex. Self-harm, suicide ideation tightly linked in Iraq, Afghanistan veterans Posted: 08 May 2015 06:16 AM PDT Non-suicidal self-injury -- that is, purposefully hurting oneself without conscious suicidal intent -- is relatively common among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and it is a strong risk factor for suicidal behavior, according to research. Search and rescue tool that pinpoints buried victims developed Posted: 08 May 2015 06:14 AM PDT A new locator feature on a search and rescue tool can pinpoint the location of a victim to within about five feet – saving rescuers time and increasing chances for locating survivors. Links between household air pollution, lung infections examined, including pneumonia Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT Scientists have come a step closer to understanding why people exposed to household air pollution (HAP) are at higher risk of lung infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Three billion people worldwide are exposed to HAP from the fuels they burn to cook, light and heat with at home. Frequently, charcoal, wood and food waste are burned and generate high concentrations of smoke particles. This exposure is associated with increased risk of pneumonia, particularly in low and middle income countries where bacterial pneumonia is the biggest cause of infant mortality. This risk is well known, but the reasons are not. Pioneering facial recognition cane for the blind Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT A revolutionary ‘smart’ cane enabling the visually impaired to instantly identify friends and family could be available soon, thanks to students at a British university. The ‘XploR’ mobility cane uses smartphone technology to recognize familiar faces from up to 10 metres away. The cane also features GPS functionality to aid navigation. 'Make like a bat’: Two ears attuned to high frequencies help people find objects using echoes Posted: 08 May 2015 05:26 AM PDT The ability that some people have to use echoes to determine the position of an otherwise silent object, in a similar way to bats and dolphins, requires good high-pitch hearing in both ears, according to new research. This builds on recent research that demonstrated conclusively that some sighted and blind people could use echoes in this way. What wasn't clear until now was how important high-frequency hearing in both ears is. Post-traumatic stress disorder linked to accelerated aging Posted: 08 May 2015 05:23 AM PDT People with PTSD may also be at risk for accelerated aging or premature senescence, research suggests. The researchers noted that there has not been another study that links PTSD, a psychological disorder with no established genetic basis, to a basic biological process such as aging. Malaria's doorway to infect blood cells identified; potential to close it, lock it, throw away the key Posted: 07 May 2015 06:29 PM PDT Scientists have identified a protein on the surface of human red blood cells that serves as an essential entry point for invasion by the malaria parasite. This discovery opens up a promising new avenue for the development of therapies to treat and prevent malaria Genetic changes to basic developmental processes evolve more frequently than thought Posted: 07 May 2015 11:50 AM PDT Newly evolved genes can rapidly assume control over fundamental functions during early embryonic development. The findings suggest that evolutionary changes to the genetics of fundamental biological processes occur more frequently than previously thought. FDA  inspectors report long list of problems at Blue Bell plants Inspection teams from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported numerous problems after recent visits to three production facilities owned and operated by Blue Bell Creameries The company announced that it was recalling all products (ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and frozen desserts) manufactured at all of its plants after receiving positive Listeria... New form of DNA modification may carry inheritable information The surprising discovery and function of a new DNA modification in insects, worms, and algae has been described in a new article ’Super-cool' way to deliver drugs Some substances, when they undergo a process called 'rapid-freezing' or 'supercooling,' remain in liquid form -- even at below-freezing temperatures. A new study is the first to break down the rules governing the complex process of crystallization through rapid-cooling. Its findings may revolutionize the delivery of drugs in the human body, providing a way to 'freeze' the drugs at an optimal time and location in the body. Negative regulator of natural killer cell maturation discovered A new study has identified a regulatory pathway in natural killer cells that inhibits their maturation and homing behavior. Natural killer cells are one of the body's first lines of defense against viruses and cancer. The findings could lead to new strategies for boosting natural-killer cell activity against cancer and viral infections, scientists say. Employers and workers can join forces to keep diabetes under control People with diabetes who enroll in a health plan tailored to their medical condition are more likely to stick to their medication and actively take charge of their own health care, research into the effectiveness of the Diabetes Health Plan finds.