ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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Diverse diet of veggies may decrease lung cancer risk (September 1, 2010) -- Adding a variety of vegetables to one's diet may help decrease the chance of getting lung cancer, and adding a variety of fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of squamous cell lung cancer, especially among smokers. ... > full story
Moderate coffee consumption improves aortic distensibility in hypertensive elderly individuals, study finds (September 1, 2010) -- A detailed study conducted by researchers on the Aegean island of Ikaria has demonstrated that moderate consumption of coffee by hypertensive elderly individuals can lead to improvements in aortic distensibility. ... > full story
Migration does not bring happiness, study suggests (September 1, 2010) -- The grass might not be greener on the other side of the border, a new study has found. Economic migrants traveling to different shores for greater income could be set for disappointment -- because the pursuit of wealth does not equate with happiness, according to the research. ... > full story
Virus related to smallpox rising sharply in Africa (September 1, 2010) -- Researchers report that 30 years after mass smallpox vaccination campaigns ceased, the rates of a related virus called human monkeypox has dramatically increased in the rural Democratic Republic of Congo, with sporadic outbreaks in other African countries and even the United States. ... > full story
Bone hormone levels linked to risk of death for patients with heart failure (September 1, 2010) -- Patients suffering with heart failure are more likely to die if they have high levels of a bone hormone called osteoprotegerin (OPG). That is the finding of a research team from the Akershus University Hospital and the University of Oslo in Norway, in collaboration with colleagues in Italy and Denmark. ... > full story
Buying common medicines can push poor people further into poverty, study finds (September 1, 2010) -- A substantial proportion (up to 86 percent) of the population living in low and middle income countries would be pushed into poverty as a result of purchasing common life-saving medicines, according to a new study. ... > full story
Newly discovered protein gets to the roots of obesity and osteoporosis (August 31, 2010) -- Here's good news for anyone trying to lose weight or has osteoporosis: Scientists are on the trail of a weight loss drug that may revolutionize how we treat these two conditions. Researchers have discovered a new protein, called "Sprouty," responsible for regulating body fat and bone mass. ... > full story
Treatment for S. aureus skin infection works in mouse model (August 31, 2010) -- Scientists have found a promising treatment method that in laboratory mice reduces the severity of skin and soft-tissue damage caused by USA300, the leading cause of community-associated Staphylococcus aureus infections in the United States. ... > full story
Ultra-endurance running may not be good for the heart, study suggests (August 31, 2010) -- In 2009, a study was conducted in the UK to assess the effects of running in ultra-endurance races. Typically aimed at super-fit and experienced athletes, these races are held over distances exceeding 50 miles (80 kilometres). The conclusions suggest that some damage is likely to occur to the heart muscle of competitors, while 12 percent of the study group showed signs of significant cardiac damage. ... > full story
Children raised by gay couples show good progress through school, study finds (August 31, 2010) -- By mining data from the 2000 Census, a sociologist figured out the rates at which kids raised by gay and straight couples repeated a grade during elementary or middle school. He found that children of same-sex parents have essentially the same educational achievement as their peers growing up in heterosexual households. ... > full story
Major study finds no evidence that statins cause cancer (August 31, 2010) -- In the largest and most reliable study of its type, researchers in the UK and Australia have demonstrated that statin therapy is not a cause of increased cancer rates and deaths. ... > full story
Reading Arabic isn't easy, brain study suggests (August 31, 2010) -- The brain's right hemisphere is not involved in the initial processes of reading in Arabic, due to the graphic complexity of Arabic script. Therefore reading acquisition in Arabic is much harder in comparison to English, according to a recent series of studies. ... > full story
Marathon running is unlikely to cause long-term heart damage, German study shows (August 31, 2010) -- A study of 167 amateur runners at the 2006 and 2007 Berlin marathons is lowering concerns that this type of activity leads to sustained heart damage, particularly among older competitors. ... > full story
Why some Americans believe Obama is a Muslim (August 31, 2010) -- There's something beyond plain old ignorance that motivates Americans to believe President Obama is a Muslim, according to a first-of-its-kind study of smear campaigns. The research suggests people are most likely to accept such falsehoods, both consciously and unconsciously, when subtle clues remind them of ways in which Obama is different from them, whether because of race, social class or other ideological differences. ... > full story
Multiple sclerosis activity changes with the seasons, research finds (August 31, 2010) -- New research shows that multiple sclerosis activity can increase during spring and summer months. ... > full story
Engineering shorter wait times in the ER (August 31, 2010) -- Emergency room waiting times could be cut by over one third and patients' length of stay by almost two-thirds, thanks to a new approach to the triage process of sorting patients for further assessment and treatment, according to new research. ... > full story
Older adults experience “destination amnesia” and over-confidence with false beliefs (August 31, 2010) -- I'm sure I told you that already! Older adults are more likely to have destination memory failures -- forgetting who they've shared or not shared information with, according to a new study. ... > full story
Adult mammary stem cells in mice identified and isolated for first time (August 31, 2010) -- For the first time, researchers have identified and isolated adult mammary stem cells in mice. Long-term implications of this research may include the use of such cells to regenerate breast tissue, provide a better understanding of the role of adult stem cells in breast cancer development, and develop potential new targets for anti-cancer drugs. ... > full story
Neuronal diversity makes a difference, research finds (August 31, 2010) -- Much like snowflakes, no two neurons are exactly alike. But it's not the size or shape that sets one neuron apart from another, it's the way it responds to incoming stimuli. Researchers have discovered that this diversity is critical to overall brain function and essential in how neurons process complex stimuli and code information. ... > full story
Study points to key genetic driver of severe allergic asthma (August 31, 2010) -- Scientists have identified a genetic basis for determining the severity of allergic asthma in experimental models of the disease. The study may help in the search for future therapeutic strategies to fight a growing medical problem that currently lacks effective treatments, researchers report. ... > full story
Hybrid protein tools developed for gene cutting and editing (August 31, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a type of hybrid proteins that can make double-strand DNA breaks at specific sites in living cells, possibly leading to better gene replacement and gene editing therapies. ... > full story
Roots of gamblers' fallacies and other superstitions: Causes of seemingly irrational human decision-making (August 31, 2010) -- Gamblers who think they have a "hot hand," only to end up walking away with a loss, may nonetheless be making "rational" decisions, according to new research. ... > full story
Scientists succeed in filming organs and joints in real time using magnetic resonance imaging (August 31, 2010) -- "Please hold absolutely still": This instruction is crucial for patients being examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is the only way to obtain clear images for diagnosis. Up to now, it was therefore almost impossible to image moving organs using MRI. Researchers in Germany have now succeeded in significantly reducing the time required for recording images -- to just one fiftieth of a second. With this breakthrough, the dynamics of organs and joints can be filmed "live" for the first time: movements of the eye and jaw as well as the bending knee and the beating heart. ... > full story
'Co-conspirator' cells could hold key to melanoma prediction, prevention (August 31, 2010) -- New research on how skin cancer begins has identified adjacent cancer cells that scientists are calling "co-conspirators" in the genesis of melanoma, in findings that could someday hold the key to predicting, preventing and stopping this hard-to-treat cancer before it spreads. ... > full story
Step toward a new sunscreen? Plant agents show promise in preventing skin cancer (August 31, 2010) -- Ongoing research finds that a blend of plant substances -- such as resveratrol and grape seed extract -- can prevent skin cancer in mice. ... > full story
Use of certain antiviral drugs during pregnancy not linked with higher risk of major birth defects, study suggests (August 31, 2010) -- An analysis of data from Denmark finds no associated increased risk of major birth defects for mothers who were exposed during the first trimester of pregnancy to the antiviral drugs acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir, often used to treat herpes simplex and herpes zoster infections, according to a new study. ... > full story
Microfluidic device allows collection, analysis of hard-to-handle immune cells (August 31, 2010) -- Scientists have developed a new microfluidic tool for quickly and accurately isolating neutrophils -- the most abundant type of white blood cell -- from small blood samples, an accomplishment that could provide information essential to better understanding the immune system's response to traumatic injury. ... > full story
Survey says: Genetics affect whether we're willing to take surveys (August 31, 2010) -- Genetics play a key factor in whether someone is willing to take a survey, according to a new survey. ... > full story
New genomic marker for tuberculosis may help identify patients who will develop the disease (August 31, 2010) -- It may soon be possible to identify patients who will develop tuberculosis, as scientists have identified changes in the blood specific to the disease. ... > full story
African-Americans have higher risk for blood clots after receiving drug-coated stent, study finds (August 31, 2010) -- African-American race is a distinct risk factor for developing life-threatening blood clots after receiving a drug-coated stent, according to a new study. ... > full story
New Norwegian earplug solution to a deafening problem (August 31, 2010) -- Some 600 cases of noise-induced hearing impairment are reported by the Norwegian petroleum industry every year. A new, intelligent earplug is now set to alleviate the problem. The international energy company Statoil ASA has led efforts to further develop a combined hearing protection and communication product for use on offshore platforms. The QUIETPRO hearing protection and communication device was originally developed for military use by the Trondheim-based company Nacre AS. The company’s customers include the United States Army, which uses QUIETPRO devices in armoured vehicles. ... > full story
Social isolation worsens cardiac arrest effects on heart regulation (August 31, 2010) -- A new study in mice shows how social support can help minimize some of the worst physical damages to the brain caused by a heart attack. From cell death to depressive symptoms to regulation of the heart, mice that lived with a partner after a heart attack suffered less damage than did similar mice that were housed alone. ... > full story
Stopping colon cancer by activating anti-cancer genes (August 31, 2010) -- Researchers have succeeded in decoding the genetic key that gives particular intestinal cells their identity. With this knowledge of the complex network of genes the researchers now hope to stop colon cancer by activating special anti-cancer genes. ... > full story
Tray bleaching may improve oral health of elderly, special-needs patients (August 31, 2010) -- A tooth-bleaching agent may improve the oral health of elderly and special-needs patients, say dentists. ... > full story
Better treatment of atrial fibrillation and its risks (August 31, 2010) -- The earlier that patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation obtain the correct treatment, the lower is the risk of serious secondary effects such as stroke. New research from Sweden shows that a well-established measurement score can easily assess the risks for this patient group. ... > full story
School-based intervention successfully lowers drinking rates in at risk children (August 31, 2010) -- In an effort to combat these startling findings, researchers in the UK describe a successful personality-based intervention for substance abuse delivered by teachers. ... > full story
People at 'intermediate risk' of heart disease with elevated hsCRP benefit from statin therapy, study suggests (August 30, 2010) -- People at intermediate risk of cardiovascular disease who have high levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein, a blood marker for inflammation, could benefit from cholesterol-lowering therapy even if their cholesterol is already at desirable levels. Data indicates that people with only a 5 percent to 20 percent risk of having heart disease in the next 10 years, but who have high levels of hsCRP could reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by more than 40 percent. ... > full story
Tuning into cell signals that tell where sensory organs will form inside the ear (August 30, 2010) -- Researchers have tracked a cell-to-cell pathway that designates the future location of the ear's sensory organs in embryonic mice. The scientists succeeded in activating this signal more widely across the embronic tissue that forms the inner ear. Patches of sensory structures began growing in spots where they don't normally appear. The results suggest an avenue for further investigation in restoring hearing loss and correcting balance problems from nerve damage in the inner ear. ... > full story
Researchers develop new laboratory cell lines to study treatment for anaplastic thyroid cancer (August 30, 2010) -- To their deep dismay, researchers discovered several years ago that laboratory samples of anaplastic thyroid cancer they were using to help them find new treatments for this lethal disease were probably some other kind of cancer. It quickly became evident that the situation in their lab was common throughout the world. Up to half of the cell lines that were supposed to originate from patients with this rare thyroid cancer were either colon or melanoma cancer. So, with the cooperation of many researchers nationwide, the researchers set out to create a new set of laboratory ATC cells, derived from tumors donated by patients. ... > full story
Over 50? You probably prefer negative stories about young people (August 30, 2010) -- When given a choice, older people prefer to read negative news, rather than positive news, about young adults, a new study suggests. In fact, older readers who chose to read negative stories about young individuals actually get a small boost in their self-esteem, according to the results. ... > full story
Hurts so good: Neural clues to the calming effects of self-harm (August 30, 2010) -- The notion that cutting or burning oneself could provide relief from emotional distress is difficult to understand for most people, but it is an experience reported commonly among people who compulsively hurt themselves. ... > full story
Decongestant use in pregnant women linked to lower risk of preterm birth (August 30, 2010) -- A new study by epidemiologists has found that women who took over-the-counter decongestants during their pregnancies are less likely to give birth prematurely. ... > full story
Body mass index and thrombogenic factors in newly menopausal women (August 30, 2010) -- A study of a subset of women in the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study suggests that as BMI increases, so do platelet reactivity and thrombogenic microvesicles and activated protein C in the blood -- all of which contribute to the formation of atherothrombosis and associated cardiovascular events. ... > full story
Parenting style: Italians strict, French moderate, Canadians lenient (August 30, 2010) -- Canadian teenagers enjoy more freedom than French and Italian peers, according to a new study. The investigation examined how parents fashion emotional bonds and exert behavioral control with adolescents. ... > full story
Diagnostic blood test can identify rare lung disease (August 30, 2010) -- Researchers have found that a certain blood test can successfully identify lymphangioleiomyomatosis in some patients, eliminating the need for surgical lung biopsy to make a diagnosis. ... > full story
Eye movements reveal readers' wandering minds (August 30, 2010) -- It's not just you -- everybody zones out when they're reading. Scientists recorded eye movements during reading and found that the eyes keep moving when the mind wanders -- but they don't move in the same way as they do when you're paying attention. ... > full story
First genetic link to common migraine exposed (August 30, 2010) -- Researchers have found the first ever genetic risk factor associated with common types of migraine. The team found that patients with the DNA variant have a significantly greater risk for developing migraine and suggest that an accumulation of a chemical known as glutamate in nerve cell junctions in the brain may play a key role in the initiation of migraine attacks. The research opens the door for new studies into migraine in humans. ... > full story
System uses electrical trickery on the brain to induce realistic spaceflight effects (August 30, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a system that can safely induce the sensory and mobility disturbances astronauts often experience when returning to Earth, making it an excellent operational training tool. The Galvanic vestibular stimulation system delivers small amounts of current to a person's vestibular nerve, mimicking sensorimotor disturbances that can affect an astronaut's ability to walk and stand and impact their ability to land a spacecraft. ... > full story
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