Monday, March 30, 2015

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


New genetic link found for alcohol-related liver cirrhosis

Posted: 29 Mar 2015 11:10 AM PDT

In most people, any liver damage that might occur from drinking alcohol is reversible. However, in 25 to 30 percent of alcoholics what begins as accumulation of fat in the liver progresses to inflammation, fibrosis and ultimately irreversible cirrhosis, for which the only treatment is a liver transplant. A new study indicates that specific gene mutations might predispose some people to irreversible liver cirrhosis.

Highly Processed Foods Dominate U.S. Grocery Purchases

Posted: 29 Mar 2015 11:10 AM PDT

A nation-wide analysis of U.S. grocery purchases reveals that highly processed foods make up more than 60 percent of the calories in food we buy, and these items tend to have more fat, sugar and salt than less-processed foods.

Ozone air pollution could harm women's fertility

Posted: 29 Mar 2015 11:10 AM PDT

Many urban and suburban areas have high levels of ground-level ozone, an air pollutant that can adversely affect lung and heart health. New research in mice suggests breathing high levels of ozone could also affect women's ability to conceive.

New compounds could offer therapy for multitude of diseases

Posted: 29 Mar 2015 11:10 AM PDT

An international team of more than 18 research groups has demonstrated that the compounds they developed can safely prevent harmful protein aggregation in preliminary tests using animals. The findings raise hope that a new class of drugs may be on the horizon for the more than 30 diseases and conditions that involve protein aggregation, including diabetes, cancer, spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Oral hepatitis B vaccine could become a reality

Posted: 29 Mar 2015 11:10 AM PDT

In a new study, researchers report progress toward perfecting a radical new method of producing vaccines using genetically modified corn. The approach could lead to an oral hepatitis B vaccine that requires no refrigeration and costs less than $1 per dose to manufacture.

New therapeutic target may improve treatment for brain cancer

Posted: 29 Mar 2015 11:10 AM PDT

New data indicate that TG2 is a possible chemotherapeutic target for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) treatment.

Natural extract shows promise for preventing breast cancer, study suggests

Posted: 29 Mar 2015 11:10 AM PDT

In a new study, the extract from rosehips — the fruit of the rose plant — significantly reduced the growth and migration of cells from a type of breast cancer known as triple negative. This particularly aggressive form of cancer does not respond to most available treatments and tends to affect young women as well as those who are African-American or Hispanic.

Consuming eggs with raw vegetables increases nutritive value

Posted: 29 Mar 2015 11:10 AM PDT

There is burgeoning research showing that co-consuming cooked whole eggs with your veggies can increase carotenoids absorption. With the recent scientific report from the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee lessening past concern over cholesterol in eggs, this is particularly good news.

Survey of salmonella species in Staten Island Zoo's snakes

Posted: 29 Mar 2015 11:10 AM PDT

To better understand the variety of salmonella species harbored by captive reptiles, Staten Island Zoo has teamed up with microbiologists.

Hip fracture patients in long-term care are less likely to receive osteoporosis therapy

Posted: 29 Mar 2015 06:56 AM PDT

Canadian researchers calculated the proportion of high-risk residents of long-term care homes receiving osteoporosis medications and vitamin D supplementation according to specific high-risk categories. Marked undertreatment was found, especially in hip-fracture patients.

Prebiotic shows promise in regulating kids' appetites

Posted: 28 Mar 2015 10:24 AM PDT

The obesity epidemic among children has caused alarm throughout the United States and Canada. Achieving healthy energy intake among this age group is a widespread health concern. A new method of appetite regulation in children was recently investigated.