Immunity Research: Life-extending hormone bolsters the body's immune function ♦ Compound found to trigger innate immunity against viruses

Compound found to trigger innate immunity against viruses A drug-like molecule can activate innate immunity and induce genes to control infection in a range of RNA viruses, including West Nile, dengue, hepatitis C, influenza A, respiratory syncytial, Nipah, Lassa and Ebola.

Neanderthal genes gave modern humans an immunity boost, allergies When modern humans met Neanderthals in Europe and the two species began interbreeding many thousands of years ago, the exchange left humans with gene variations that have increased the ability of those who carry them to ward off infection. This inheritance from Neanderthals may have also left some people more prone to allergies.

Life-extending hormone bolsters the body's immune function A hormone that extends lifespan in mice by 40% is produced by specialized cells in the thymus gland, according to a new study. The team also found that increasing the levels of this hormone, called FGF21, protects against the loss of immune function that comes with age.
Novel mechanism that helps activated dendritic cells to initiate effective immunity Phagocytosis represents a critical innate barrier against infection and serves the clearance of extracellular microbes, infected and dying cells. Different immune cells use phagocytosis for microbial killing, but in dendritic cells (DCs) it mainly serves the processing and presentation of specific molecules (antigens) that are able to alert the immune system and to initiate immune responses. Researchers describe now a mechanism of how the fusion between phagosomes and lysosomes influences the presentation of antigens on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I molecules to cytotoxic T cells, a process called cross-presentation

Health Research: Pioneering artificial pancreas to undergo final tests ♦ Could bug-busting viruses control food poisoning? ♦ Minor flu strains pack bigger punch

Could bug-busting viruses control food poisoning? Viruses that can seek and destroy food poisoning bugs in the gut are currently being investigated by researchers. The work could offer the potential for treating and preventing intestinal illnesses in children in developing countries including those caused by Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli.

Pioneering artificial pancreas to undergo final tests A device to automatically monitor and regulate blood-sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes will undergo final testing in two clinical trials beginning early this year.

Racial bias may be conveyed by doctors' body language Physicians give less compassionate non verbal cues when treating seriously ill black patients compared with their white counterparts, a small trial revealed. It is the first to look at such interactions in a time-pressured, end-of-life situation.

Minor flu strains pack bigger punch Minor variants of flu strains, which are not typically targeted in vaccines, carry a bigger viral punch than previously realized, a team of scientists has found. Its research, which examined samples from the 2009 flu pandemic in Hong Kong, shows that these minor strains are transmitted along with the major strains and can replicate and elude immunizations.

Immunity Research: Why we do not constantly get ill despite viruses, bacteria ♦ Immune system affects gut bacteria evolution ♦ Stonefish venom may help combat transplant rejection T

Why we do not constantly get ill despite viruses, bacteria New research breaks with existing knowledge about how our immune system works. The new experiments have shown how the body mobilizes a hitherto unknown defense against viruses and bacteria. This also explains why we do not constantly get ill despite the viruses around us.

Immune system affects gut bacteria evolution Researchers have discovered that when the immune system of the host is compromised, the composition of the gut bacteria changes, and the pace and predictability of the process of adaptation of these bacteria are affected. This study suggests that the treatment of intestinal pathologies that result from impaired immune system, such as the inflammatory bowel disease, may require therapies based on personalized medicine.

Studying stonefish venom may help combat transplant rejection The X-ray crystal structure of the lethal factor present in stonefish venom has been solved by researchers. The discovery has provided unexpected insight into a crucial human immune response that is responsible for the failure of up to 30 percent of bone marrow transplant therapies for treating leukemia.

In pursuit of HIV vaccine, scientists shed light on antibody origins Scientists have tracked how a family of HIV-fighting antibodies develops over time. The research shows how a future vaccine might trigger the immune system to produce these antibodies more effectively.

Health Research: Sperm crane their neck to turn right ♦ Seeing viruses in a new light ♦ Contaminants in New York City’s community gardens

Seeing viruses in a new light If researchers can understand how viruses assemble, they may be able to design drugs that prevent viruses from forming in the first place. Unfortunately, how exactly viruses self-assemble has long remained a mystery because it happens very quickly and at such small length-scales. Now, there is a system to track nanometer-sized viruses at sub-millisecond time scales. The method is the first step towards tracking individual proteins and genomic molecules at high speeds as they assemble to create a virus.

Contaminants in New York City’s community gardens While community gardens provide benefits including urban green space, opportunities for recreation, art expression, social gathering, and improved diets, urban gardening may also increase the opportunity for exposure to common urban soil contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Unique anti-diabetes compound using powerful new drug-discovery method A powerful new drug discovery technique has been developed to identify an anti-diabetes compound with a novel mechanism of action, a technique with significant potential to quickly find drug candidates.

Sperm crane their neck to turn right Spermatozoa need to crane their necks to turn right to counteract a left-turning drive caused by the rotation of their tails, new research has found. The researchers discovered that all sperm tails (flagella) rotate in a counter-clockwise motion as they beat to enable them to move through and against the motion of a fluid.

Health News:Hepatitis C investigation expands to second hospital ♦ Protein-RNA structure hints at how viruses commandeer human proteins

Hepatitis C investigation expands to second hospital  Davis Hospital and Medical Center in Layton will notify 2,369 patients November 12 stating that they may have been exposed to hepatitis C after a patient at McKay-Dee Hospital contracted the blood-borne pathogen allegedly from a former nurse who stole morphine and Dilaudid. Davis Hospital issued alerts after investigators discovered that the nurse was previously employed

Social media offers neuroscientists a treasure trove of research material Because social media is used so pervasively in modern society to tap into people's behaviors and thoughts, neuroscientists are finding Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms to be very useful tools in a broad range of research areas. A review describes some of the approaches that neuroscientists can use to gain valuable insights from social media.

Protein-RNA structure hints at how viruses commandeer human proteins Researchers have produced the first image of an important human protein as it binds with ribonucleic acid (RNA), a discovery that could offer clues to how some viruses, including HIV, control expression of their genetic material. That information could lead to new strategies to block viruses from replicating, thereby limiting or halting infection.

Medical marijuana should be held to same standard as other drugs. Medical marijuana needs to be studied like any other drug. No one is opposed to the active ingredients in it, but we need to have some data. That is what we would expect from any other drug.

Children's Health Factors in breast milk may play a role in transmission of obesity ♦ Rashes often associated with viruses in children ♦ A triple threat to child health

Follow your heart as you pursue your career Young people with strong callings are more likely to take risks, persist, and ultimately get jobs in their chosen fields, satisfying both their personal and professional career needs. Researchers also found that those who exhibit a passion for these interests in their teens are more likely to be successful later on, regardless of their inherent talent.

Factors in breast milk may play a role in transmission of obesity The road to obesity may be paved with non-nutritious carbohydrates in breast milk, shifting popular notions about how and why children grow to become overweight adults.

Kids meals, toys, and TV advertising: A triple threat to child health Fast food companies advertise children's meals on TV with ads that feature toy premiums, and it has been suggested that the use of these toy premiums may prompt children to request eating at fast food restaurants. In a new study, researchers found that the more children watched television channels that aired ads for children's fast food meals, the more frequently their families visited those fast food restaurants.

Rashes often associated with viruses in children Sniffles, stomach bugs, fever and sore throats are often associated with viruses, but rashes are common in children with viral infections as well. Rashes can be itchy and painful for kids and difficult for parents trying to determine if they are a symptom of something serious or just an everyday annoyance.

Bacteria Research: Viruses join fight against harmful bacteria ♦ Drug disarms deadly C. difficile bacteria without destroying healthy gut flora ♦ Faster resistance analysis for patients with blood poisoning

Drug disarms deadly C. difficile bacteria without destroying healthy gut flora Scientists have successfully defeated a dangerous intestinal pathogen, Clostridium difficile, with a drug targeting its toxins rather than its life. C. difficile is responsible for more than 250,000 hospitalizations and 15,000 deaths per year in the United States, costing the country more than $4 billion in health-care expenses.

Viruses join fight against harmful bacteria Biological engineers have devised a new mix-and-match system to genetically engineer viruses that target specific bacteria. The approach could generate new weapons against bacteria for which there are no effective antibiotics.

Faster resistance analysis for patients with blood poisoning When treating cases of blood poisoning, doctors resort immediately to broad-spectrum antibiotics. The problem is that in many cases the bacteria are resistant to the medicine. Analyzing antibiotic resistance is a time-consuming process, and for many patients the results come too late. Now a new technique has been developed that supplies results in just nine hours.

Study examines incidence of serious, highly drug-resistant group of bacteria The overall incidence in 2012-2013 was relatively low of a serious, highly drug-resistant group of bacteria (Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae that are an important cause for healthcare associated infections, according to a study. Most CRE cases were associated with prior hospitalizations and discharge to long-term care settings.

Health Research:Device can quickly test for toxins in shellfish ♦ Lung disease may increase risk of insulin resistance, diabetes ♦ New test detects all viruses that infect people,

Portable device can quickly test for sickness-causing toxins in shellfish Mussels, oysters, scallops and clams might be ingredients for fine cuisine, but they can also be a recipe for diarrhetic shellfish poisoning That's a gastrointestinal illness people can get if those tasty morsels contain marine toxins. Now, researchers are reporting the development of a portable, inexpensive device that can quickly and easily screen freshly caught shellfish for these substances

Lung disease may increase risk of insulin resistance, diabetes Numerous studies have identified obesity and poor diet as risk factors for insulin resistance and diabetes. Now, a new study adds another risk factor to the list: inflammatory lung disease

Study lays groundwork for blood test to aid in the detection and monitoring of myeloma Only 5 percent of myeloma cases are stage I when diagnosed. One reason may be the lack of good routine screening tests to identify patients who will progress to myeloma. A new study has found that abnormal levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) detected in the bone marrow of multiple myeloma patients may also be detectable in peripheral blood, and their measurement may be a way to both mark myeloma onset and track its progression from earlier asymptomatic stages.

New test detects all viruses that infect people, animals A new test detects virtually any virus that infects people and animals, according to new research. The new test could be used to detect outbreaks of deadly viruses such as Ebola, Marburg and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), as well as more routine viruses, including rotavirus and norovirus, both of which cause severe gastrointestinal infections

Elabela identified as potential hormone for regenerative medicine A hormone is found to be critical in promoting growth of human embryonic stem cells, paving the way for improved regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies

Children's Health: Teen marijuana use down despite greater availability ♦iVruses flourish in guts of healthy babies ♦ Time spent outdoors results in decreased rate of nearsightedness

Viruses flourish in guts of healthy babies Bacteria aren't the only nonhuman invaders to colonize the gut shortly after a baby's birth. Viruses also set up house there. The study is one of the first surveys of viruses that reside in the intestine, beginning the work of defining a healthy gut virome.

Racial disparities in pain of children with appendicitis in EDs Black children were less likely to receive any pain medication for moderate pain and less likely to receive opioids for severe pain than white children in a study of racial disparities in the pain management of children with appendicitis in emergency department.

Teen marijuana use down despite greater availability Marijuana use among American high school students is significantly lower today than it was 15 years ago, despite the legalization in many states of marijuana for medical purposes, a move toward decriminalization of the drug and the approval of its recreational use in a handful of places.

Hookah tobacco smoking seems to be increasing in both prevalence, frequency Nearly one in five recently surveyed high school seniors report having smoked tobacco from a hookah in the past year, and more than a third of them reported smoking hookahs often enough to be considered regular users. The findings add to evidence that hookah use among adolescents is increasing in both prevalence and frequency.

Additional time spent outdoors by children results in decreased rate of nearsightedness The addition of a daily outdoor activity class at school for three years for children in Guangzhou, China, resulted in a reduction in the rate of myopia (nearsightedness, the ability to see close objects more clearly than distant objects,

Health News:How can we prevent suicide? ♦ How magnetic pulses change the brain ♦ Prolonged television watchers- higher risk of fatal pulmonary embolism

Scientists show how magnetic pulses change the brain in treatment for depressed patients A group of scientists have found a way of understanding how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can give relief to severely depressed patients. TMS is used as an alternative to electroconvulsive therapy, but it is not known how it achieves its therapeutic effect. Understanding how it works may open the door to better, more targeted treatment for depression and other conditions.

How can we prevent suicide? Major study shows risk factors associated with depression A major multi-national study of suicides has identified the behavior patterns which precede many suicide attempts. This may lead to changes in clinical practice in the care of patients affected with depression, as it shows the clinical factors which confer major risk of suicide attempts.

Prolonged television watchers have higher risk of fatal pulmonary embolism Prolonged television watchers have a higher risk of fatal pulmonary embolism, a condition associated with long haul flights.

Imitating viruses to deliver drugs to cells Viruses are able to redirect the functioning of cells in order to infect them. Inspired by their mode of action, scientists have designed a "chemical virus" that can cross the double lipid layer that surrounds cells, and then disintegrate in the intracellular medium in order to release active compounds. To achieve this, the team used two polymers they had designed, which notably can self-assemble or dissociate, depending on the conditions.

Short sleepers are four times more likely to catch a cold A new study led by a sleep researcher supports what parents have been saying for centuries: to avoid getting sick, be sure to get enough sleep.

Health News How white blood cells limit muscle regeneration ♦ Urban ERs see high rates of hepatitis C infection ♦ Viruses thrive in big families

Viruses thrive in big families, in sickness and in health Every child puts a household at increased risk for viral infections. A new study showed that childless households had infections during 3-4 weeks of the year, while families with six children were infected for 45 weeks. But only half who tested positive reported feeling ill. These results can help families and health care providers know when illness should be cause for concern.

How white blood cells limit muscle regeneration Researchers have identified a protein produced by white blood cells that puts the brakes on muscle repair after injury in mice. The findings point to a target for potential treatments aimed at enhancing muscle regeneration.

Opioid use and sexual violence among drug-using young adults in NYC New research seeks to identify the potential role of drug use in increasing risk of sexual violence among young adult opioid users in New York City, and to identify the specific social and contextual factors surrounding this group's experiences of sexual violence.

Urban ERs see high rates of hepatitis C infection An urban emergency department that set up a hepatitis C testing protocol saw high rates of infection among intravenous drug users and Baby Boomers, with three-quarters of those testing positive unaware they were infected.

High blood sugar of diabetes can cause immune system malfunction, triggering infection Scientists may have uncovered a molecular mechanism that sets into motion dangerous infection in the feet and hands often occurring with uncontrolled diabetes. It appears that high blood sugar unleashes destructive molecules that interfere with the body's natural infection-control defenses

Health News: Some Drug Manufactures Reporting Adverse Reactions Late ♦ Scientists successfully edit human T cells ♦ Some vaccines support evolution of more-virulent viruses

Some adverse drug events not reported by manufacturers to FDA by 15-day mark About 10 percent of serious and unexpected adverse events are not reported by drug manufacturers to the US Food and Drug Administration under the 15-day timeframe set out in federal regulations.

In CRISPR advance, scientists successfully edit human T cells Scientists have devised a new strategy to precisely modify human T cells using the genome-editing system known as CRISPR/Cas9. Because these immune-system cells play important roles in a wide range of diseases, from diabetes to AIDS to cancer, the achievement provides a versatile new tool for research on T cell function, as well as a path toward CRISPR/Cas9-based therapies for many serious health problems.

Researchers identify model to predict successful wound healing Battlefield surgeons and civilian physicians could have a powerful new tool to help patients recover from traumatic injuries, including life-threatening wounds from explosions. Researchers have identified a model to predict the chances for successful wound healing in individual patients.

Some vaccines support evolution of more-virulent viruses Scientific experiments with the herpesvirus such as the one that causes Marek's disease in poultry have confirmed, for the first time, the highly controversial theory that some vaccines could allow more-virulent versions of a virus to survive, putting unvaccinated individuals at greater risk of severe illness. The research has important implications for food-chain security and food-chain economics, as well as for other diseases that affect humans and agricultural animals.

Strong link between delirium, inflammation in older patients Delirium is an acute state of confusion that often affects older adults following surgery or serious illness. Now a study confirms that inflammation -- an immune response that develops when the body attempts to protect itself from harmful stimuli -- plays a role in the onset of delirium.

Health Research: Simple score predicts risk of death for middle-aged adults ♦ Two new groups of viruses discovered ♦ Research points to future test for ALS

FDA addresses concerns on approval of drugs to treat chronic hepatitis C Treatment options for chronic hepatitis C, a serious and life-threatening infection, have improved substantially and several new regimens with shorter durations and improved efficacy and safety profiles are now available

CT angiography links arterial plaque with diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol Non-calcified arterial plaque is associated with diabetes, high systolic blood pressure and elevated 'bad' cholesterol levels in asymptomatic individuals. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in men and women worldwide, accounting for 17 million deaths annually

Two new groups of viruses discovered Two new groups of viruses have been discovered within the Bunyavirus family in the tropical forest of Ivory Coast. Previously only five groups responsible for serious illnesses in humans and animals were known. Most are spread through blood-feeding insects. Based on the discovered viruses researchers conclude that the ancestor to all bunyaviruses must have existed in arthropods such as insects.

Simple score predicts risk of death for middle-aged adults in the UK A simple score test can predict the risk of death for middle-aged adults, a British study suggests. Information for the test can be obtained by questionnaires without the need for physical examination

Research points to future test for ALS Researchers have uncovered new insights on the genetic causes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. These findings could uncover a new way to detect a genetic predisposition to ALS before the disease strikes

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Health Research: Synthetic drugs that can cause cancer ♦ Exploring the ADHD-Autism link ♦ Protein that boosts immunity to viruses and cancer

Exploring the ADHD-Autism link A licensed clinical psychologist is focusing on the ADHD-autism link to better understand why people with ADHD and autism may be more prone to substance abuse and to develop more effective behavioral therapies

Scientists discover protein that boosts immunity to viruses and cancer Scientists have discovered a protein that plays a central role in promoting immunity to viruses and cancer, opening the door to new therapies. Experiments in mice and human cells have shown that the protein promotes the proliferation of cytotoxic T cells, which kill cancer cells and cells infected with viruses.

Difficult to break the soda habit? Sugar-sweetened beverages suppress body's stress response Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages can suppress the hormone cortisol and stress responses in the brain, but diet beverages aspartame do not have the same effect,.

Increasing evidence points to inflammation as source of nervous system manifestations of Lyme disease About 15 percent of patients with Lyme disease develop peripheral and central nervous system involvement, often accompanied by debilitating and painful symptoms. New research indicates that inflammation plays a causal role in the array of neurologic changes associated with Lyme disease. The investigators also showed that the drug dexamethasone prevents many of these reactions.

Synthetic drugs: evidence that they can cause cancer  Almost weekly, a new synthetic psychoactive drug comes onto the market that can be ordered legally and easily, for example as an incense blend, via the Internet. Synthetic cannabinoids are difficult to identify chemically and the possible unwanted toxic effects that can occur following their consumption have so far rarely been investigated. As part of the international EU project "SPICE II Plus", researchers have now also found evidence that synthetic substances damage the DNA of human cells and can therefore possibly have cancer-causing effects.

Health News: Dairy recalls raw milk and cream ♦ Hepatitis A exposure possible at subway ♦ Low-dose BPA exposure affects fertility

WA dairy recalls raw milk and cream after positive listeria test  A raw milk dairy in Washington state has voluntarily recalled some of its raw milk and cream products after a recent routine test found Listeria bacteria in a sample of raw cream. Spanish Sonrise Dairy in Yacolt, WA, has recalled all of its raw cow’s milk and goat’s milk and cream

Hepatitis A exposure possible at subway  Arkansas Department of Health advised that patrons of a Subway restaurant in Morrilton seek preventative treatment due to possible Hepatitis A exposure that could have occurred between March 25 and April 5 when a worker on duty was infected with the virus.

Low-dose BPA exposure affects fertility in next three generations of mice Scientists exposed pregnant mice to levels of bisphenol A equivalent to those considered safe in humans, three generations of female mouse offspring experienced significant reproductive problems, including declines in fertility, sexual maturity and pregnancy success.

Depression, diabetes associated with increased dementia risk Depression and type 2 diabetes mellitus were each associated with an increased risk for dementia and that risk was even greater among individuals diagnosed with both depression and diabetes compared with people who had neither condition

Shape-shifting molecule tricks viruses into mutating themselves to death A newly developed spectroscopy method is helping to clarify the poorly understood molecular process by which an anti-HIV drug induces lethal mutations in the virus's genetic material. The findings could bolster efforts to develop the next generation of antiviral treatments

Mapping the Microbes in New York City’s Subway System

The human body is host to trillions of microbes that include bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They influence our health and disease and are, in turn, influenced by the environment. At the same time, the environment itself—everything that surrounds us—hosts an extensive assortment of bacteria, which we’re exposed to every day.

The researchers created a city-scale molecular profile of DNA collected from New York City’s subway system and other public areas. Credit: Feel Pic/iStock/Thinkstock.

To learn more about environmental microbes and the DNA that surrounds us, a team of researchers led by Dr. Christopher E. Mason at Weill Cornell Medical College tracked and characterized the genetic material of microorganisms in New York City, particularly in its subway system. Used by 1.7 billion people a year, it’s the largest mass-transit system in the world.

The scientists used sterile swabs to collect 1,457 samples across 468 subway stations, covering 24 lines in 5 boroughs. The team sampled turnstiles, wooden and metal benches, stairway handrails, trashcans, emergency exits, and card kiosks. On trains, they sampled doors, poles, handrails, and seats. They also sampled railway stations and public parks in the city. They developed a mobile app to map the exact location and time of each sample.

The team extracted DNA from each sample, sequenced it, then classified and characterized it, using several existing databases. The study was funded in part by NIH’s National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). Results appeared online on February 5, 2015, in Cell Systems.

The researchers found that almost half of the DNA analyzed (48%) did not match any known organism, hinting at how many species remain to be identified. They determined that 47% of the DNA came from bacteria, 0.03% came from viruses, and the rest from fungi and other organisms.

“PathoMap,” an interactive heatmap of the study data. Map by Cem Meydan. Data by Mason Lab, Weill Cornell Medical College.

Bacterial signatures could reveal a station’s history. Marine-associated bacteria were found in the closed station that was flooded during Hurricane Sandy. The Bronx stations showed the greatest bacterial diversity, while Staten Island had the lowest diversity. By comparing their data with data from the 2010 U.S. Census, the researchers found that the predicted ancestry of human DNA left on subway surfaces echoed the U.S. Census demographic data. The team also found shifts in microbes during the course of the day after collecting samples from Penn Station every hour during a weekday.

The group detected some DNA fragments associated with known pathogens, including bubonic plague and anthrax. They hypothesize that these pathogens may normally exist at low levels that don’t cause disease or that they are indistinguishable from related bacteria using the study’s techniques. The researchers also detected bacteria that are resistant to standard antibiotics.

“Our data show evidence that most bacteria in these densely populated, highly trafficked transit areas are neutral to human health, and much of it is commonly found on the skin or in the gastrointestinal tract,” Mason says. “These bacteria may even be helpful, since they can out-compete any dangerous bacteria.”

The team has created “PathoMap,” an interactive heatmap of their data. “We can now monitor for changes and potential threats to this balanced microbial ecosystem,” Mason says.

—by Carol Torgan, Ph.D.