ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Thursday, August 26, 2010
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BPA and testosterone levels: First evidence for small changes in men (August 26, 2010) -- Researchers have for the first time identified changes in sex hormones associated with bisphenol A exposure in men, in a large population study. BPA is a chemical commonly used in food and drink containers. ... > full story
Waiting for the right moment: Bacterial pathogens delay their entry into cells (August 26, 2010) -- Pathogens make themselves feel at home in the human body, invading cells and living off the plentiful amenities on offer. However, researchers reveal an opposite strategy used to ensure infection success. Pathogens can actually delay their entry into cells to ensure their survival. Upon cell contact, bacteria trigger a local strengthening of the cellular skeleton with the aid of signalling molecules, allowing them to remain outside the cell. The researchers also show that this strategy, unknown until now, is used by certain intestinal pathogens as well. ... > full story
Gene involved in Fuchs corneal dystrophy is found (August 26, 2010) -- A research team has found a gene likely responsible for Fuchs corneal dystrophy, an inheritable genetic disorder and leading cause of corneal transplant operations. ... > full story
Doctors' religious beliefs strongly influence end-of-life decisions, study finds (August 26, 2010) -- Atheist or agnostic doctors are almost twice as willing to take decisions that they think will hasten the end of a very sick patient's life as doctors who are deeply religious, new research suggests. ... > full story
Structural basis for autism disorders (August 26, 2010) -- There is still much that is unknown about autism, but a psychologist has completed a six-year study of brain tissue that, for the first time, provided physical evidence of short-range over-connectivity in the outer layer of the brain's cortex in those with autism. ... > full story
Copy number variation found to cause rare kidney disease (August 26, 2010) -- Researchers have identified a rare form of kidney disease linked to a genetic mutation in the innate immune system. So far, the disease, which the researchers have named CFHR5 nephropathy, has been identified in over one hundred people, all of whom are of Cypriot descent, including some living in the UK. Symptoms include blood in the urine – both microscopic and, occasionally, visible – and progressive kidney malfunction. ... > full story
Mothers abused by partners see decline in mental health even after relationship ends (August 26, 2010) -- Even after leaving a violent or controlling relationship, the mental health of mothers may actually get worse before it gets better, a new study suggests. Researchers found that in the two years after the end of an abusive relationship, mothers showed poorer mental health, became more depressed and maintained high levels of anxiety. In those areas, they were no better off than women who stayed in abusive relationships. ... > full story
Freeze or run? Not that simple: Scientists discover neural switch that controls fear (August 25, 2010) -- Scientists have identified the specific type of neurons that determine how mice react to a frightening stimulus, showing that deciding whether or not to freeze in fear is a more complex task for our brains than we realized. ... > full story
Cold salt water reduces damage in heart attack patients (August 25, 2010) -- Treating heart attack patients with hypothermia reduces the amount of heart damage by more than one third after balloon angioplasty. Researchers in Sweden have released the results of a study showing that the amount of heart damage in heart attack patients whose body temperature was lower than 35 degrees C (95 degrees F) was reduced by more than one third after they were treated with balloon angioplasty to open their clogged heart vessel. ... > full story
Antiviral gene helps suppress jumping of AIDS viruses between host species (August 25, 2010) -- The human AIDS viruses originated as viruses of apes and monkeys, respectively, yet little is known about whether or how these invaders adapted to the new genetic "environment" encountered in humans. One group of host genes, collectively known as restriction factors, is thought to influence the ability of such viruses to move between different primate species. ... > full story
New test allows individualized profiles of cigarette smoking (August 25, 2010) -- A test for one of the thousands of chemicals in cigarette smoke has the potential for more accurately estimating smokers' mouth level exposure and may have applications for developing custom-tailored quitting approaches for the more than 43 million people in the United States who still smoke, and hundreds of millions elsewhere, scientists report. ... > full story
Spouses do not grow more alike, study finds (August 25, 2010) -- Contrary to popular belief, married couples do not become more similar over time, according to new research. ... > full story
Seeing the world with new eyes: Biosynthetic corneas restore vision in humans (August 25, 2010) -- A new study from researchers in Canada and Sweden has shown that biosynthetic corneas can help regenerate and repair damaged eye tissue and improve vision in humans. The results are from an early phase clinical trial with 10 patients. ... > full story
New mechanism of memory formation discovered (August 25, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered a mechanism that plays a critical role in the formation of long-term memory. The findings shed substantial new light on aspects of how memory is formed, and could lead to novel treatments for memory disorders. ... > full story
Microneedle, quantum dot study opens door to new clinical cancer tools (August 25, 2010) -- Researchers have developed extremely small microneedles that can be used to deliver medically-relevant nanoscale dyes called quantum dots into skin -- an advance that opens the door to new techniques for diagnosing and treating a variety of medical conditions, including skin cancer. ... > full story
Up to one in four patients reports more physical problems a year after surgery than before (August 25, 2010) -- Fifteen percent of patients experience more pain, physical and emotional problems a year after surgery than before their operation and 24 percent have less vitality, according to a study of over 400 patients. Twelve months after their operation, 17 percent also reported greater pain, 14 percent said their functional abilities had reduced and 16 percent had poorer mental health. ... > full story
Major moral decisions use general-purpose brain circuits to manage uncertainty (August 25, 2010) -- Scientists have found that humans can make difficult moral decisions using the same brain circuits as those used in more mundane choices related to money and food. The results suggest that complex moral decisions need not rely on a specific "moral sense." ... > full story
Migraine sufferers have higher risk of dying from heart disease and stroke, research finds (August 25, 2010) -- Individuals who suffer from migraines with aura (temporary visual or sensory disturbances before or during a migraine headache) are at a higher risk of dying from heart disease or stroke, according to new research. ... > full story
Putting the squeeze on Alzheimer's (August 25, 2010) -- Brain cells exposed to a form of the amyloid beta protein, the molecule linked to Alzheimer's disease, become stiffer and bend less under pressure, researchers have found. ... > full story
Cognitive behavior therapy improves symptom control in adult ADHD (August 25, 2010) -- Adding cognitive behavioral therapy -- an approach that teaches skills for handling life challenges and revising negative thought patterns -- to pharmaceutical treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder significantly improved symptom control in a study of adult patients. ... > full story
Alcohol dependence damages both episodic memory and awareness of memory (August 25, 2010) -- Metamemory refers to the subjective knowledge that people have of their own cognitive processing abilities. A first-of-its-kind study has found that not only were alcohol-dependent patients relatively unaware of their memory deficits, but that they also overestimated their memory capacities. ... > full story
Painkilling system in brain: Too much of a good thing? (August 25, 2010) -- Repeatedly boosting brain levels of one natural painkiller soon shuts down the brain cell receptors that respond to it, so that the painkilling effect is lost, according to a surprising new study that has important implications for drug development. ... > full story
Waiting for the right moment: Bacterial pathogens delay their entry into cells (August 25, 2010) -- Certain pathogens make themselves at home in the human body by invading cells and living off the plentiful amenities on offer there. However, researchers have discovered a contrary strategy to ensure infection success: some pathogens can actually delay their entry into cells to ensure their survival. ... > full story
Did ancient coffee houses lay the groundwork for modern consumerism? (August 25, 2010) -- If you think that your favorite coffee shop is a great gathering place for discussion, you should have been around in the Ottoman Empire starting in the 1550s. A new study examines the role of coffee houses in the evolution of the consumer. ... > full story
Researchers zero in on protein that destroys HIV (August 25, 2010) -- Using a 5,000 microscope and the wisdom of Yogi Berra, researchers have identified the key components of a protein called TRIM5a that destroys HIV in rhesus monkeys. The finding could lead to new TRIM5a-based treatments that would knock out HIV in humans. ... > full story
Secrets of scents: Designing the smells that sell household products (August 25, 2010) -- Crafting a fragrance for detergents that leaves laundry smelling clean and fresh. Developing a room freshener, scented oil or scented candle that whispers "cool spring air." Giving toothpaste or mouthwash a refreshing aftertaste that lingers and lingers. The process for putting the smell that sells into thousands consumer products is much like composing a symphony, according to a leading fragrance designer. ... > full story
Chronic drinking can disrupt circadian rhythms (August 25, 2010) -- Circadian clock genes are key to regulating physiological and behavioral activities. Animal studies have shown that chronic drinking can disrupt expression in these genes. A human study has found an association between deregulation of circadian clock genes and chronic drinking. ... > full story
Oxytocin makes people trusting, but not gullible, study suggests (August 25, 2010) -- Oxytocin (OT) is a hormone that plays an important role in social behavior -- it has even been nicknamed "the love hormone" and "liquid trust." Increased levels of OT have been associated with greater caring, generosity, and trust. But does OT increase people's trust in anybody or does it act more selectively? Recent findings suggest that OT fosters trust, but not gullibility: OT may make individuals more trusting, but only in certain situations. ... > full story
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
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