ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Thursday, September 9, 2010
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Potential new drug for neurodegenerative disease identified (September 9, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered a small molecule that helps human cells discard disfigured proteins, such as those that may be involved in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative ailments. ... > full story
Computer-based video analysis boosts data gathering in behavioral studies (September 9, 2010) -- Scientists have developed a computer-based system that can learn how to identify behaviors of interest and then analyze many hours of video. ... > full story
How insulin stimulates fat cells to take in glucose (September 9, 2010) -- Using high-resolution microscopy, researchers have shown how insulin prompts fat cells to take in glucose in a rat model. By studying the surface of healthy, live fat cells in rats, researchers were able to understand the process by which cells take in glucose. Next, they plan to observe the fat cells of people with varying degrees of insulin sensitivity, including insulin resistance-considered a precursor to type 2 diabetes. These observations may help identify the interval when someone becomes at risk for developing diabetes. ... > full story
Research on team loyalty yields new insight into 'die-hard' fandom (September 9, 2010) -- There's a reason why some sports fans are referred to as "die-hards" -- even after they move away, their loyalty to their hometown team endures, according to new research. ... > full story
New class of peptides may protect against septic shock (September 9, 2010) -- A new class of peptides may neutralize the endotoxin that causes sepsis, offering a new therapeutic strategy against an often lethal systemic bacterial infection. ... > full story
Micro-RNA determines malignancy of lung cancer (September 9, 2010) -- A small RNA molecule determines whether or not lung cancer cells grow invasively and metastasize, according to researchers in Germany. Moreover, they found out that the following is true also for patients with non-small cell lung cancer: The less micro-RNA is produced by tumor cells, the higher the tumor's tendency to metastasize. ... > full story
Reading food labels, combined with exercise, can lead to weight loss, study finds (September 9, 2010) -- Nutritional science and food marketing has become so sophisticated in recent decades that a trip to the supermarket can require a complete nutritional re-education. The average consumer needs to be on guard against preservatives, added fat, colorings, and calories, false advertising, and sophisticated but misleading labels. Although guidelines for the information of food labels have gotten a bad rap in recent years, a new study suggests that observing them may lead to weight loss, especially for women entering their middle years. ... > full story
Insulin may reduce several inflammatory factors induced by bacterial infection (September 8, 2010) -- Treating intensive care patients who develop life-threatening bacterial infections, or septicemia, with insulin potentially could reduce their chances of succumbing to the infection, if results of a new preliminary study can be replicated in a larger study. ... > full story
Structure for three intrinsically disordered proteins determined (September 8, 2010) -- A research team has determined the structure for three proteins in a class known as intrinsically disordered proteins. The findings are important because they show how these proteins fold with the regulator protein phosphatase-1, which must happen for biological instructions to be passed along. ... > full story
Novel sensing mechanism discovered in dendritic cells to increase immune response to HIV (September 8, 2010) -- Dendritic cells are the grand sentinels of the immune system, standing guard 24/7 to detect foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria, and bring news of the invasion to other immune cells to marshal an attack. These sentinels, however, nearly always fail to respond adequately to HIV, the virus causing AIDS. Now scientists have discovered a sensor in dendritic cells that recognizes HIV, spurring a more potent immune response by the sentinels to the virus. ... > full story
Does the impact of psychological trauma cross generations? (September 8, 2010) -- In groups with high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as the survivors of the Nazi Death Camps, the adjustment problems of their children, the so-called "Second Generation", have received attention by researchers. Studies suggested that some symptoms or personality traits associated with PTSD may be more common in the Second Generation than the general population. It has been assumed that these trans-generational effects reflected the impact of PTSD upon the parent-child relationship rather than a trait passed biologically from parent to child. ... > full story
New gene for memory identified in fruit fly; May shed light on human neurological disorders (September 8, 2010) -- Scientists have identified a new gene that is required for memory formation in Drosophila, the common fruit fly. The gene may have similar functions in humans, shedding light on neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or human learning disabilities. ... > full story
Twins are intriguing research subjects for biometircs researchers (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers are examining how iris discrimination performs in twins to confirm prior claims that biometrics is capable of differentiating between twins. ... > full story
Why chromosomes never tie their shoelaces (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers shed light on a paradox that has puzzled biologists since the discovery of telomeres, the protective tips of chromosomes: while broken chromosome ends generated by DNA damage (such as radiation or cigarette smoke) are quickly joined together, telomeres are never tied to each other, thus allowing for the correct segregation of the genetic material. ... > full story
It's good to gossip -- but be nice! (September 8, 2010) -- Gossipers feel more supported and positive gossip -- praising somebody -- may lead to a short-term boost in gossipers' self-esteem, according to new research. ... > full story
Brain cells -- not lack of willpower -- determine obesity, study finds (September 8, 2010) -- An international team of scientists has discovered the reason why some people who eat a high-fat diet remain slim, yet others pile on the weight. The study found that a high-fat diet causes brain cells to become insulated from the body preventing vital signals, which tell the body to stop eating and to burn energy, from reaching the brain efficiently. ... > full story
Scientists make leap forward in early detection for Alzheimer's and cancer (September 8, 2010) -- Scientists have developed a new strategy for quicker and more precise detection of biomarkers -- proteins which indicate disease. The work could pave the way for new tools to detect early stages of Alzheimer's and cancer at the molecular level. ... > full story
Questioning the safety of certain 'healthful' plant-based antioxidants (September 8, 2010) -- Scientists are calling for more research on the possibility that some supposedly healthful plant-based antioxidants -- including those renowned for their apparent ability to prevent cancer -- may actually aggravate or even cause cancer in some individuals. Their recommendation follows a study in which two such antioxidants -- quercetin and ferulic acid -- appeared to aggravate kidney cancer in severely diabetic laboratory rats. ... > full story
Personality predicts cheating more than academic struggles, study shows (September 8, 2010) -- Students who cheat in high school and college are highly likely to fit the profile for subclinical psychopathy -- a personality disorder defined by erratic lifestyle, manipulation, callousness and antisocial tendencies, according to new research. These problematic students cheat because they feel entitled and disregard morality, the study found. ... > full story
A new role for insulin in cell survival, cell metabolism and stress response (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered a novel way in which insulin affects cell metabolism and cell survival. Surprisingly the insulin signaling pathway, which is involved in aging, diabetes and stress response, is active at a deeper level of cell activity than scientists expected. ... > full story
Scientists create new process to 'program' cancer cell death (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers have engineered a fundamentally new approach to killing cancer cells. The process uses small RNA molecules that can be programmed to attack only specific cancer cells; then, by changing shape, those molecules cause the cancer cells to self-destruct. ... > full story
At least 1 in 10 athletes injured during 2010 Winter Olympics, study finds (September 8, 2010) -- At least one in 10 athletes sustained an injury and a further one in 14 fell ill during the 2010 Winter Olympics, held in Canada, new research reveals. ... > full story
Golf: Evidence of how 'loading the hips' improves golf drives (September 8, 2010) -- It’s all in the hips. New research provides concrete evidence of how loading the hips improves the power and length of a golf drive. ... > full story
Low-income neighborhoods experience far more injuries than high-income areas, study finds (September 8, 2010) -- Penetrating injury rates were more than 20 times higher for persons living in the lowest income neighborhoods compared with those living in the highest income neighborhoods, according to a new study. ... > full story
Fetal exposure to radiation and the risk of childhood cancer: What is the likelihood of a risk? (September 8, 2010) -- A new study aims to evaluate the possibility that exposure of a fetus to computed tomography or radionuclide imaging performed during pregnancy might increase subsequent risk of childhood cancer. ... > full story
Ritalin improves brain function, task performance in cocaine abusers, study finds (September 8, 2010) -- A brain-scanning study reveals that an oral dose of methylphenidate, commonly known as Ritalin, improves impaired brain function and enhances cognitive performance in people who are addicted to cocaine. The study suggests that methylphenidate, combined with cognitive interventions, may have a role in facilitating recovery from drug addiction. ... > full story
New robotic head and neck cancer surgery preserves speech, without scarring, study shows (September 8, 2010) -- An incisionless robotic surgical procedure is offering patients a new option to remove certain head and neck cancer tumors without visible scarring, while preserving speech and the ability to eat. Unlike traditional surgical approaches to head and neck cancer, TORS patients can return to their normal lives a few days after surgery without significant pain and disfigurement. ... > full story
Designing your own workspace improves health, happiness and productivity (September 8, 2010) -- Employees who have control over the design and layout of their workspace are not only happier and healthier -- they're also up to 32 percent more productive, according to new research. ... > full story
Excessive drinking may lead to poor brain health via obesity (September 8, 2010) -- Alcohol abuse and dependence are often associated with a high body mass index (BMI). A new study shows that alcohol-related brain injury may result from a complicated fusion of hazardous drinking, chronic cigarette smoking, and even elevated BMI. ... > full story
Regular statin use is associated with a reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (September 8, 2010) -- There is an association between taking statins (lipid lowering drugs), and reduced risk of developing the chronic inflammatory disease, rheumatoid arthritis. ... > full story
A missing link from obesity to infertility: Researchers unravel clues to infertility among obese women (September 8, 2010) -- Obese women have a well-known risk for infertility, but a new study has unraveled what investigators there believe is the mechanism that accounts for the risk. ... > full story
An important genetic cardiovascular risk factor explained (September 8, 2010) -- New findings appear to explain why people who carry specific and common versions of a single gene are more likely to have high cholesterol and to suffer a heart attack. Studies in mice show that the gene, known as sortilin, controls the release of LDL (a.k.a. "bad") cholesterol from the liver into the bloodstream. ... > full story
Fungal threat to archived film (September 8, 2010) -- Microbes could be threatening our cultural heritage by degrading historic cinematographic film and even preventing some valuable footage to be archived at all. New research shows how fungal growth on cinema film can not only lead to deterioration of the film but may also pose a risk to the archivist. ... > full story
Addressing negative thoughts most effective in fighting loneliness (September 8, 2010) -- Changing how a person perceives and thinks about others was the most effective intervention for loneliness, a sweeping analysis of previous research has determined. The findings may help physicians and psychologists develop better treatments for loneliness, a known risk factor for heart disease and other health problems. ... > full story
Is hand washing enough to stop the spread of disease? (September 8, 2010) -- Not drying your hands thoroughly after washing them, could increase the spread of bacteria and rubbing your hands whilst using a conventional electric hand dryer could be a contributing factor. Frequently people give up drying their hands and wipe them on their clothes instead, but hand-hygiene is a key part of infection control and drying hands after washing is a very important part of the process. A new study looks at different methods of hand drying, and their effect on transfer of bacteria from the hands to other surfaces. ... > full story
Chemical for keeping human pluripotent stem cells alive identified (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers have found that a chemically synthesized compound, blebbistatin, can help prevent cell death in human pluripotent stem cells. These cells are of interest to stem cell scientists working on finding therapies for spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, burns, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and other ailments. Another advantage of using blebbistatin, say the researchers, is that no human- or animal-derived materials is needed for coating the culture surfaces. ... > full story
Wrist splints in children as effective as casts, study finds (September 8, 2010) -- In children with wrist fractures, a splint is as effective as a cast and provides greater comfort and easier hygiene, a new study finds. ... > full story
Parents at highest risk for depression in the first year after child's birth (September 8, 2010) -- More than one-third of mothers and about one-fifth of fathers in the United Kingdom appear to experience an episode of depression between their child's birth and 12th year of age, with the highest rates in the first year after birth, according to a new article. ... > full story
Smoking damages men's sperm and also the numbers of germ and somatic cells in developing embryos (September 8, 2010) -- Two new studies have shed more light on how smoking may damage fertility, and give further weight to advice that mothers and fathers-to-be should stop smoking before attempting to conceive. The first shows that a mother's smoking reduces the numbers of germ and somatic cells in the testes of developing embryos; the second study shows that men's smoking affects the levels of two proteins, protamines, that are crucial for the correct formation of their sperm. ... > full story
New light on the mechanism of Parkinson’s disease (September 8, 2010) -- A significant number of Parkinson’s disease patients have a mutation of the enzyme Leucine-Rich Repeat Protein Kinase 2 (LRRK2, also known as dardarin). However, little is understood about how it is regulated or functions. In a new paper, researchers demonstrate that a family of proteins, the 14-3-3 proteins, interact with LRRK2. ... > full story
Bipolar disorder does not increase risk of violent crime, Swedish study suggests (September 8, 2010) -- A new study from Sweden suggests that bipolar disorder -- or manic-depressive disorder -- does not increase the risk of committing violent crime. Instead, the over-representation of individuals with bipolar disorder in violent crime statistics is almost entirely attributable to concurrent substance abuse. ... > full story
Education more important than knowledge in stopping spread of HIV in Africa, study finds (September 8, 2010) -- Simply teaching people the facts about how to protect themselves from HIV may not be enough to prevent the spread of AIDS in Africa, a new study suggests. Researchers found that villagers in Ghana who had higher levels of cognitive and decision-making abilities -- not just the most knowledge -- were the ones who were most likely to take steps to protect themselves from HIV infection. ... > full story
Short sleepers at higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, study finds (September 7, 2010) -- People who sleep less than six hours a night may be three times more likely to develop a condition which leads to diabetes and heart disease, according to researchers. ... > full story
What can a New Zealand reptile tell us about false teeth? (September 7, 2010) -- Using a moving 3-D computer model based on the skull and teeth of a New Zealand reptile called tuatara, researchers have revealed how damage to dental implants and jaw joints may be prevented by sophisticated interplay between our jaws, muscles and brain. ... > full story
Multivitamin use doesn't impact colon cancer outcomes, study finds (September 7, 2010) -- Patients with colon cancer who used multivitamins during and after being treated with post-surgical chemotherapy did not reduce the risk of the cancer returning or their dying from it, according to researchers. In a study of 1,038 patients with stage III colon cancer, the researchers found that while multivitamin use had no beneficial effect on patients' outcomes, it also did not have a detrimental effect. ... > full story
Gambling on breast scans: Monte Carlo analysis could help reduce number of cancers missed by mammography (September 7, 2010) -- A mathematical tool known as a Monte Carlo analysis could help improve the way X-rays are used for mammography and reduce the number of breast cancers missed by the technique as well as avoiding false positives, according to new research. ... > full story
Having a male co-twin improves mental rotation performance in females (September 7, 2010) -- Having a sibling, especially a twin, impacts your life. Your twin may be your best friend or your biggest rival, but throughout life you influence each other. However, a recent study shows that having an opposite-sex twin may impact you even before you are born: females with a male co-twin score higher on mental rotation task than females with a female co-twin. ... > full story
The brain speaks: Scientists decode words from brain signals (September 7, 2010) -- In an early step toward letting severely paralyzed people speak with their thoughts, researchers translated brain signals into words using two grids of 16 microelectrodes implanted beneath the skull but atop the brain. ... > full story
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