ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Wednesday, August 25, 2010
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Exercising restores sensitivity of neurons that make one feel full (August 25, 2010) -- There is now another good reason to exercise. Besides burning calories, exercise restores the sensitivity of neurons involved in the control of satiety (feeling full), which in turn contributes to reduced food intake and consequently weight loss. This is the conclusion of a study led by Brazilian researchers. ... > full story
New evidence on how cranberry juice fights bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (August 25, 2010) -- Scientists report new evidence on the effectiveness of that old folk remedy -- cranberry juice -- for urinary tract infections. ... > full story
Minor kidney damage in people with type 1 diabetes leads to increased mortality (August 25, 2010) -- People with type 1 diabetes who have early and asymptomatic kidney damage, as indicated by small amounts of protein in the urine, are six times more likely to die compared to the general population, according to a new study. ... > full story
Disasters especially tough on people with disabilities, mental disorders (August 25, 2010) -- Psychologists have analyzed decades of research and found that disaster response strategies should address the needs of the population affected, specifically those with disabilities and mental disorders. ... > full story
'TIMely' intervention for asthma (August 25, 2010) -- TIM1 has been identified as a susceptibility gene for asthma. New research in mice now suggests that targeting TIM-1 protein might have therapeutic benefit in treating this increasingly prevalent condition. ... > full story
Emerging questions about the mechanisms that control muscle (August 25, 2010) -- There are major shifts underway in understanding the physiological mechanisms that control muscle contraction, a field that has been the focus of intense research for centuries. A new article presents key novel findings, unresolved questions, and clinical implications of essential muscle processes that are controlled by distinct and complex multiprotein macromolecular machines. ... > full story
Hydrophobic proteins: Potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer (August 25, 2010) -- Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Hydrophobic proteins are a class of proteins that are involved in many cellular functions in the body. A group of researchers from Malaysia analyzed differentially expressed hydrophobic proteins in colorectal cancer and normal tissues. Four hydrophobic proteins were found to be highly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues, these proteins may serve as potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer that can be used for its detection and treatment. ... > full story
New mechanism behind cellular energy conversion discovered (August 25, 2010) -- Researchers have enhanced our understanding of the mechanism by which cells achieve energy conversion, the process in which food is converted into the energy required by cells. ... > full story
Who are you calling 'hipster'? Consumers defy labels and stereotypes (August 25, 2010) -- What happens when the products you love become labeled as "trendy" or "hipster"? Consumers who identify with these products find creative ways to remain loyal and elude derision, according to a new study. ... > full story
New cardiac imaging device pioneered (August 24, 2010) -- Researchers have for the first time developed a way to visualize coronary artery plaques vulnerable to rupture using multicolor computed tomography, an innovation that will lead to better and earlier diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. ... > full story
Salmon baby food? Babies need omega-3s and a taste for fish, scientist says (August 24, 2010) -- Has your toddler eaten fish today? A food science professor has two important reasons for including seafood in your young child's diet, reasons that have motivated her work in helping to develop a tasty, nutritious salmon baby food for toddlers. ... > full story
Study compares risk with two diabetes drugs (August 24, 2010) -- A new analysis of data on patients covered by a single insurance company reports that risks of heart disease events and death were no different between patients who took the diabetes drugs rosiglitazone or pioglitazone. In this analysis, approximately 4 percent of patients taking either drug -- sold as Avandia and Actos -- suffered a heart attack, heart failure, both or died over a 33-month period. ... > full story
Moderate drinking: Health benefits or not? (August 24, 2010) -- There is disagreement about the health benefits of moderate drinking. A new study has examined drinking and mortality during a 20-year period. Findings confirm an association between moderate drinking and reduced mortality among older adults. ... > full story
Human umbilical cord blood cells aid lab animal brain cell survival after simulated stroke (August 24, 2010) -- When human umbilical cord blood cells were used to treat cultured rat brain cells deprived of oxygen, the cells appeared to protect astrocytes from cell death after stroke-like damage. Researchers found that cord blood cells stabilized the brain cell environment and aided astrocyte survival. ... > full story
Genetic link discovered between immune system, Parkinson's disease (August 24, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered new evidence that Parkinson's disease may have an infectious or autoimmune origin. ... > full story
No laughing matter: Laughter can play key role in group dynamics (August 24, 2010) -- Laughter can play key roles in group communication and group dynamics -- even when there's nothing funny going on. That's according to new research that examined the role of laughter in jury deliberations during a capital murder case. ... > full story
Widely used herbicide, atrazine, causes prostate inflammation in male rats and delays puberty (August 24, 2010) -- A new study shows that male rats prenatally exposed to low doses of atrazine, a widely used herbicide, are more likely to develop prostate inflammation and to go through puberty later than non-exposed animals. The research adds to a growing body of literature on atrazine, an herbicide predominantly used to control weeds and grasses in crops such as corn and sugar cane. Atrazine and its byproducts are known to be relatively persistent in the environment, potentially finding their way into water supplies. ... > full story
Gene responsible for neurodegenerative disease in dogs, possibly in humans, discovered (August 24, 2010) -- Researchers have located and identified a gene responsible for a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects American Staffordshire terriers. This same gene may be responsible for a similar rare, fatal disease in humans. ... > full story
Radiologists call for national strategy to address medical imaging overuse (August 24, 2010) -- Overutilization of medical imaging services exposes patients to unnecessary radiation and adds to health care costs, according to a special report that calls on radiologists to spearhead a collaborative effort to curb imaging overutilization. ... > full story
Why making our own choices is more satisfying when pleasure is the goal (August 24, 2010) -- When it comes to our own pleasure, we like having a choice, but when it comes to utilitarian goals, we're just as happy being told what to do, according to a new study. ... > full story
Reshaping the gut microbiome could herald new treatments for bowel diseases (August 24, 2010) -- A healthy human body contains at least tenfold more bacteria cells than human cells. The most abundant and diverse microbial community resides in the intestine, and changes to the gut microbiota are linked with diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In a new study, researchers have analyzed the long-term effects of gut bacterial transplantation in rats, revealing crucial insight that will aid in the development of new treatments. ... > full story
Understanding rider bahavior key to keeping amusement park rides safe and enjoyable (August 24, 2010) -- Plummeting down a steep hill on a giant roller coaster or whirling at high speeds are annual summer rituals for thrill-seeking amusement riders. While amusement ride injuries are a rare occurrence, most occur as a result of rider behavior. ... > full story
New nuclear breast imaging technologies associated with higher cancer risks, study finds (August 24, 2010) -- Some nuclear-based breast imaging exams may increase a woman's risk of developing radiation-induced cancer, according to new research. However, the radiation dose and risk from mammography are very low. ... > full story
Sign language speakers' hands, mouths operate separately (August 24, 2010) -- When people are communicating in sign languages, they also move their mouths. But scientists have debated whether mouth movements resembling spoken language are part of the sign itself or are connected directly to English. In a new study on British Sign Language, signers made different mistakes in the sign and in the mouthing -- which means the hand and lip movements are separate in the signer's brain, not part of the same sign. ... > full story
Vitamin D found to influence over 200 genes, highlighting links to disease (August 24, 2010) -- The extent to which vitamin D deficiency may increase susceptibility to a wide range of diseases is dramatically highlighted in newly published research. Scientists have mapped the points at which vitamin D interacts with our DNA -- and identified over two hundred genes that it directly influences. ... > full story
Health diagnosis made simpler: Bioengineers design device to help detect diseases quickly (August 24, 2010) -- Researchers have developed and tested instrumentation they say will make disease diagnosis technically simpler, quicker and less costly. Using the shape of a drop biological fluid to focus a beam from a light-emitting diode, the device enables diagnosis of infectious diseases and unhealthy levels of protein. ... > full story
Nicotine binding to receptor linked to breast cancer cell growth (August 24, 2010) -- When nicotine binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAchR), it is known to promote smoking addiction and may also directly promote the development of breast cancer, according to a new study. ... > full story
Math from the heart: Simulating stent design and coating (August 24, 2010) -- Using computer models to study the strengths and weaknesses of different stent structures could help manufacturers optimize stent design and help doctors choose the right stents for their patients. ... > full story
Alcohol-based hand disinfectants improve business productivity, study finds (August 24, 2010) -- The placement of alcohol-based hand disinfectants in businesses can reduce illness and absenteeism amongst the work force. A new study has found that incidences of absenteeism in public administrations due to the common cold, fever and cough are significantly reduced when alcohol-based hand disinfectants are used by employees. ... > full story
Promising target for developing treatments against Parkinson's disease (August 24, 2010) -- Researchers have shown that using specific drugs can protect nerve cells in mice from the lethal effects of Parkinson's disease. ... > full story
Autism and mental retardation connected with APC protein (August 24, 2010) -- A clue to the causes of autism and mental retardation lies in the synapse, the tiny intercellular junction that rapidly transfers information from one neuron to the next. Neuroscientists report that a protein called APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) plays a key role in synapse maturation, and APC dysfunction prevents the synapse function required for typical learning and memory. ... > full story
Stress of freshman year can trigger eating disorders for some young people (August 24, 2010) -- While the start of college is a positive, momentous event for many young people, it also can be an episode that pushes some into a dangerous battle with eating disorders, says a psychologist who fought her own battle against bulimia as a college student. Hear her story. ... > full story
Eating berries may activate the brain's natural housekeeper for healthy aging (August 24, 2010) -- Scientists report the first evidence that eating blueberries, strawberries, and acai berries may help the aging brain stay healthy in a crucial but previously unrecognized way. Their study concludes that berries, and possibly walnuts, activate the brain's natural "housekeeper" mechanism, which cleans up and recycles toxic proteins linked to age-related memory loss and other mental decline. ... > full story
Dogs may not be' man’s best friend' during hay fever season (August 24, 2010) -- Ragweed allergy season can be even more miserable for those with dog, cat or dust mite allergies, according to new research. These year-round allergies appear to "pre-prime" the immune system so symptoms hit harder, according to a new study. ... > full story
Genetic variation linked to lupus in Asian men identified (August 24, 2010) -- Researchers have found that a variation in a gene on the sex chromosome X may enhance an immune response that leads to lupus in men. ... > full story
Organizations learn more from failure than success, study finds; Knowledge gained from failure lasts longer (August 24, 2010) -- While success is surely sweeter than failure, it seems failure is a far better teacher, and organizations that fail spectacularly often flourish more in the long run, according to a new study. ... > full story
Potential HIV drug keeps virus out of cells (August 24, 2010) -- Following up a pioneering 2007 proof-of-concept study, biochemists have developed a promising new anti-HIV drug candidate, PIE12-trimer, that prevents HIV from attacking human cells. ... > full story
Alcohol intake increases certain types of breast cancer, study finds (August 24, 2010) -- Alcohol increases the risk of lobular and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, but not necessarily invasive ductal carcinomas, according to a new study. ... > full story
Decade-long trial confirms benefts of steroid withdrawal for transplant patients (August 24, 2010) -- An analysis of 10 years of data from local kidney transplant patients shows that patients removed from a corticosteroid regimen shortly after surgery have better graft survival rates, better survival rates and fewer cardiovascular events than patients kept on the traditional regimen of long-term steroids. ... > full story
'Media detective' tool empowers children to skirt alcohol and tobacco marketing messages (August 24, 2010) -- Playing "media detective" allows children to understand the intentions of marketers and the goals of advertising while empowering them to resist messages that encourage alcohol or tobacco use. ... > full story
Diabetes can cause a sugar coating that smothers body's immune defences, researchers find (August 23, 2010) -- Researchers have found that unhealthy glucose levels in patients with diabetes can cause significantly more problems for the body than just the well-known symptoms of the disease. The raised glucose can also form what can be described as a sugar coating that can effectively smother the mechanisms our bodies use to detect and fight bacterial and fungal infections. ... > full story
Polyphenol antioxidants inhibit iron absorption (August 23, 2010) -- Health benefits from polyphenol antioxidants -- substances found in many fruits and vegetables -- may come at a cost to some people. Nutritional scientists found that eating certain polyphenols decreased the amount of iron the body absorbs, which can increase the risk of developing an iron deficiency. ... > full story
Function of proteins can enhance the progression of viruses and cancer cells (August 23, 2010) -- In a discovery that has implications for developing treatments against cancer and potentially deadly viruses, researchers have discovered the function of proteins that can enhance the progression of certain viruses and cancer cells. ... > full story
Drugging the undruggable: Advances toward next generation of disease fighters (August 23, 2010) -- After decades of dreaming the drug developer's impossible dream, scientists finally are reporting progress in making drugs that target the "untouchables" among the body's key players in health and disease. They are the hundreds of thousands of proteins that many scientists considered to be "undruggable," meaning that previous efforts to develop a drug against them had failed. ... > full story
'Hookups' can turn into meaningful relationships, study suggests (August 23, 2010) -- Relationships that start with a spark and not much else aren't necessarily doomed from the get-go, new research suggests. Couples who became sexually involved as friends or acquaintances and were open to a serious relationship ended up just as happy as those who dated and waited. ... > full story
Drink water to curb weight gain? Clinical trial confirms effectiveness of simple appetite control method (August 23, 2010) -- Has the long-sought magic potion in society's "battle with the bulge" finally arrived? An appetite-control agent that requires no prescription, has no common side effects, and costs almost nothing? Scientists report results of a new clinical trial confirming that just two 8-ounce glasses of the stuff, taken before meals, enables people to shed pounds. The weight-loss elixir is ordinary water. ... > full story
Body clock drugs could ease psychiatric disorders and jet lag (August 23, 2010) -- Researchers have successfully used a drug to reset and restart the natural 24 hour body clock of mice in the lab. The ability to do this in a mammal opens up the possibility of dealing with a range of human difficulties including some psychiatric disorders, jet lag and the health impacts of shift work. ... > full story
Low bone mineral density common in children and teenagers with inflammatory bowel disease (August 23, 2010) -- New research from Sweden is the first in Scandinavia to study the occurrence of low bone mineral density in children and teenagers with inflammatory bowel disease. Half of the patients in the study showed signs of low bone mineral density. The results emphasise the importance of treating the underlying inflammatory bowel disease more effectively, and of measuring bone mineral density in this group of patients. ... > full story
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