Vanderbilt University test shows high accuracy in detecting prostate cancer — and more
Medical Watch Digest for April 18
A new test to diagnose prostate cancer
It’s a urine test which measures 18 genes associated with prostate cancer.
Vanderbilt University doctors developed the test they say has a higher accuracy at detecting clinically significant cancers than the standard PSA test.
The test is simple and can eliminate the need for prostate biopsies and MRIs while still alerting patients to cancer.
Prostate is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in u-s men.
Pain memory can lead to great suffering
Newborns who experience pain, even in life saving procedures carry that memory into adolescence.
The early encounter changes the child’s pain response system at a genetic level according to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital researchers.
The gene alterations cause more intense reactions to pain later in life.
The biggest body changes as a result of early pain occur in developing macrophage cells — one of the key elements of the immune system.
More Coverage: WGN’s Medical Watch
Calorie restriction can protect cells from aging
Penn State scientists say they uncovered critical clues to the way diet impacts aging. Consuming fewer calories alters telomere length, those are the protective caps at the end of chromosomes.
Researchers analyzed data for people who restricted calories for two years.
The finding offers an explanation for previous studies showing restricting calories 20-60% promoted longer life.
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