ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Thursday, October 28, 2010
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Blind people perceive touch faster than those with sight (October 28, 2010) -- People who are blind from birth are able to detect tactile information faster than people with normal vision, according to a new study. ... > full story
'Smart drug' targets new mutation, dramatically shrinks aggressive sarcoma and lung cancer; Patient's response was predicted by test for mutant protein in tumor cells (October 28, 2010) -- A new oral drug caused dramatic shrinkage of a patient's rare, aggressive form of soft-tissue cancer that was driven by an abnormally activated protein, researchers report. ... > full story
Deadly monkeypox virus might cause disease by breaking down lung tissue (October 28, 2010) -- A new study of an exotic, infectious virus that has caused three recent outbreaks in the United States reveals clues to how the virus might damage lungs during infection. The findings also suggest possible new ways to treat lung diseases in humans. Not only does the infection from monkeypox virus increase production of proteins involved in inflammation, but it decreases production of proteins that keep lung tissue intact and lubricated. ... > full story
Radiation before surgery keeps colorectal cancer from returning, study finds (October 28, 2010) -- Patients with cancer found at the end of the large intestine called the rectum who receive one week of radiation therapy before surgery have a 50 percent reduction in chance that their cancer will return after 10 years, according to a large, randomized study. ... > full story
Heavy drinkers consume less over time, but not at 'normal' levels, study finds (October 28, 2010) -- Problem drinkers in the general population may reduce the amount of alcohol they consume over a period of years but not to the level of the average adult, according to a new study. ... > full story
Making bone in the laboratory (October 28, 2010) -- Researchers in the Netherlands have succeeded in mimicking the process of bone formation in the laboratory, and in visualizing the process in great detail. ... > full story
Highly targeted radiation technique minimizes side effects of prostate cancer treatment, study finds (October 28, 2010) -- Men with prostate cancer treated with a specialized type of radiation called intensity modulated radiation therapy have fewer gastrointestinal complications compared to patients treated with conventional three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, according to a new study. ... > full story
Structural genomics accelerates protein structure determination (October 28, 2010) -- Membrane proteins are of immense biological and pharmaceutical importance. But so far there are only a handful of cases in which the exact structure could be successfully determined. Scientists have now succeeded in working out the structure of an important ion channel via the analysis of related proteins. ... > full story
High erythropoietin levels indicate increased risk of death (October 28, 2010) -- High erythropoietin levels in people over age 85 indicate a higher risk of death, according to a new study. ... > full story
Two people can learn to cooperate intuitively, but larger groups need to communicate, research shows (October 28, 2010) -- Two people can learn to cooperate with each other intuitively – without communication or any conscious intention to cooperate. But this process breaks down in groups of three or more, according to a new study. ... > full story
Too much SP2 protein turns stem cells into 'evil twin' cancer cells (October 27, 2010) -- Researchers have found that the overproduction of a key protein in stem cells causes those stem cells to form cancerous tumors. Their work may lead to new treatments for a variety of cancers. ... > full story
Active ingredient levels vary among red yeast rice supplements (October 27, 2010) -- Different formulations of red yeast rice, a supplement marketed as a way to improve cholesterol levels, appear widely inconsistent in the amounts of active ingredients they contain, according to a new study. In addition, one in three of 12 products studied had detectable levels of a potentially toxic compound. ... > full story
Tendency to obesity starts with pre-schoolers, Canadian study finds (October 27, 2010) -- The results of a two-year study of pre-schoolers in Canada has revealed significant differences between the children in different weight status groups for food responsiveness, emotional over-eating, enjoyment of food, satiety responsiveness, slowness in eating, and food fussiness. A longitudinal study now follows to determine if there are associations between the environment and weight status, and the impact of those environmental influences. ... > full story
Habit formation appears to be an innate ability, fine-tuned by experience (October 27, 2010) -- Most people have habits that guide them through daily life -- for example, their path to work in the morning, or their bedtime routine. The brain patterns that drive this behavior are not well-understood, but a new study shows that habit formation appears to be an innate ability that is fine-tuned by experience -- specifically, the costs and rewards of certain choices. ... > full story
Plugged up: Doctors see signs of worsening constipation in children (October 27, 2010) -- Mild constipation in children is fairly common, but gastroenterologists have been seeing what they believe is the start of a troubling trend: more children with more serious and chronic bouts of the condition. Experts attribute the problem to lack of physical activity, inadequate water intake and fiber-poor diets. ... > full story
Forces for cancer spread: Genomic instability and evolutionary selection (October 27, 2010) -- New research into pancreatic cancer shows that, not only is cancer genetically different between different patients, but each new focus of cancer spread within a patient has its own distinct mutations. The researchers suggest that doctors treating patients with the disease may be treating tens of genetically distinct tumors and that identifying the mutations common to many early-stage pancreatic cancers may be key to the discovery of new drug targets. ... > full story
Not so fast -- sex differences in the brain are overblown, expert says (October 27, 2010) -- People love to speculate about differences between the sexes, and many brain imaging studies have reported sex differences in brain structure or activity. But we should be skeptical about such reports, writes psychological scientist Cordelia Fine. The results from these studies may not withstand the tests of improved analyses -- and it's too soon to know what such results might mean for differences in male and female minds. ... > full story
Controlling individual cortical nerve cells by human thought (October 27, 2010) -- Five years ago, neuroscientists and neurosurgeons discovered that a single neuron can function much like a sophisticated computer and recognize people, landmarks, and objects. Now the same researchers have found that individuals can exert conscious control over these single neurons -- despite the neurons' location in an area of the brain previously thought inaccessible to conscious control -- and manipulate the behavior of an image on a computer screen. ... > full story
Pancreatic cancers progress to lethal stage slowly, surprise finding shows (October 27, 2010) -- Pancreatic cancer develops and spreads much more slowly than scientists have thought, according to new research. The finding indicates that there is a potentially broad window for diagnosis and prevention of the disease. ... > full story
1000 Genomes Project publishes analysis of completed pilot phase: Produces tool for research into genetic contributors to human disease (October 27, 2010) -- The 1000 Genomes Project, an international public-private consortium, has published the most comprehensive map of human genetic differences, estimated to contain approximately 95 percent of the genetic variation of any person on Earth. ... > full story
Newer type of radiation for prostate cancer recommended, experts say (October 27, 2010) -- A review of existing research suggests that while a newer type of radiation for the treatment of prostate cancer does not help patients live longer compared to an older type -- at least when similar doses are given it does appear to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. ... > full story
Emotional intelligence predicts job performance (October 27, 2010) -- Emotional intelligence is a strong predictor of job performance, according to a new study that helps settle the ongoing debate in a much-disputed area of research. ... > full story
Breakthrough in understanding life-threatening childhood liver disease: Link to infection found in biliary atresia (October 27, 2010) -- Researchers have taken a big step toward understanding what causes one of the most serious liver diseases in infants. The disease is called biliary atresia. It blocks the bile ducts in young infants. Until now, doctors weren't sure what caused biliary atresia. The researchers propose that an infection late in the third trimester of pregnancy or soon after birth initiates the bile duct injury. ... > full story
Portable breast scanner allows cancer detection in the blink of an eye (October 27, 2010) -- Women could have a fast test for breast cancer and instantly identify the presence of a tumor in the comfort of their own home, thanks to groundbreaking research. ... > full story
Too much glucosamine can cause the death of pancreatic cells, increase diabetes risk, researchers find (October 27, 2010) -- High doses or prolonged use of glucosamine causes the death of pancreatic cells and could increase the risk of developing diabetes, according to a team of researchers in Canada. ... > full story
Knowledge of genetic cancer risks often dies with patients (October 27, 2010) -- If you were dying from cancer, would you consider genetic testing? A recent study showed that most terminally ill cancer patients who were eligible for genetic testing never received it despite that it could potentially save a relative's life. ... > full story
New insight into links between obesity and activity in the brain (October 27, 2010) -- Scientists have revealed that an anti-obesity drug changes the way the brain responds to appetizing, high-calorie foods in obese individuals. This insight may aid the development of new anti-obesity drugs which reduce the activity in the regions of the brain stimulated by the sight of tasty foods. ... > full story
Among older patients, severe sepsis associated with development of cognitive and functional disability (October 27, 2010) -- Older adults who survived severe sepsis were more likely to develop substantial cognitive impairment and functional disability, according to a new study. ... > full story
Bicarbonate adds fizz to players' tennis performance (October 27, 2010) -- Dietary supplementation with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) on the morning of a tennis match allows athletes to maintain their edge. A randomized, controlled trial found that those players who received the supplement showed no decline in skilled tennis performance after a simulated match. ... > full story
Researchers crack genetic code of a sudden death cardiac killer (October 27, 2010) -- Researchers in Canada have cracked the genetic code of a sudden death cardiac killer. As a result, they have developed a unique prevention program in which people with no symptoms, but with a suspect gene and a family history, are being implanted with internal cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) which can restart their hearts if they stop. ... > full story
Colorectal cancer patients with gene mutation show better response to cancer agent (October 27, 2010) -- Even though the cancer-treatment agent cetuximab is not considered effective treatment for KRAS (a gene)-mutated metastatic colorectal tumors, new research indicates that patients with colorectal cancer not responding to chemotherapy and a certain variation of this gene who were treated with cetuximab had longer overall and progression-free survival than patients with other KRAS-mutations, according to a new study. ... > full story
Poor school grades linked to increased suicide risk, Swedish study reveals (October 27, 2010) -- School leaving grades can be an indicator of an increased risk of suicide at a young age. A new study from Sweden shows that young people leaving the Swedish elementary school (year nine at age 16) with the lowest average grades, run approximately three times the risk of committing suicide compared with those who graduate with top or very high grades. ... > full story
Following lifestyle tips could prevent almost a quarter of bowel cancer cases, study suggests (October 27, 2010) -- Almost a quarter of colorectal (bowel) cancer cases could be prevented if people followed healthy lifestyle advice in five areas including diet and exercise, says a new study. ... > full story
What can country of birth tell us about childhood asthma? (October 27, 2010) -- Researchers have pooled data from five epidemiological studies to investigate the prevalence of asthma in children in two Boston neighborhoods. Among children born in the United States, low socioeconomic status and exposure to mice and cockroaches were both associated with increased risk of asthma. Neither association was present in children born outside of the US. ... > full story
Genetic variations linked with worse outcomes with use of antiplatelet drug for cardiac procedures (October 27, 2010) -- An analysis of data from previously published studies indicates that use of the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel for patients who have common genetic variants of a certain gene and are undergoing a procedure such as coronary stent placement have an associated increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events, particularly development of blood clots in stents, according to a new study. ... > full story
Sleep disturbances show clear association with work disability (October 27, 2010) -- Sleep disturbances increase the risk of work disability and may slow the return to work process. This is especially true in cases where work disability is due to mental disorders or musculoskeletal diseases. ... > full story
Risk of cancer due to radiation exposure in middle age may be higher than previously estimated (October 27, 2010) -- Contrary to common assumptions, the risk of cancer associated with radiation exposure in middle age may not be lower than the risk associated with exposure at younger ages, according to a new study. ... > full story
How H1N1 differs from other viruses as a respiratory illness (October 27, 2010) -- The 2009/2010 Influenza A (H1N1) is one of several viruses responsible for respiratory-related infections. A new study examined patients with viruses and found distinguishing characteristics of the H1N1 virus in how it affects respiratory illness. ... > full story
Haptoglobin as an early serum biomarker of virus-induced type 1 diabetes in rats (October 27, 2010) -- Type 1 diabetes is a multifactorial disease of complex etiology characterized by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. In addition to genetic susceptibility, it is generally accepted that environmental factors such as virus infection may play important roles in triggering disease. The recent availability of novel immunomodulatory therapies that may preserve residual beta cell mass in new onset diabetics has generated a demand for noninvasive testable biomarkers that can identify the development of the autoreactive process before it becomes clinically apparent. ... > full story
Sensitivity to bodily symptoms of anxiety may make a difference in treatment in heart patients, study suggests (October 27, 2010) -- Levels of anxiety sensitivity may be important in choosing medical treatment for patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation, researchers report. ... > full story
60 Utahns are among landmark large-scale genome sequencing study (October 27, 2010) -- Just seven months after University of Utah geneticists took part in a landmark study that sequenced for the first time the genome of an entire Utah family, U of U researchers have taken part in another historic study that is the first large-scale genome sequencing project -- 179 people representing three continents -- and 60 Utahns played a major role in this study, too. ... > full story
High resting heart linked to shorter life expectancy in stable heart disease patients, study suggests (October 26, 2010) -- If you are a person who already has stable heart disease, how fast your heart beats at rest can predict your risk of dying, not only from heart disease but all other causes, researchers say. ... > full story
WHO pesticide regulations should be based on toxicity in humans, not rats, experts say (October 26, 2010) -- Current WHO pesticide classifications are based on toxicity in rats, but basing regulation on human toxicity will make pesticide poisoning less hazardous and prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths globally without compromising agricultural needs, according to a new study. ... > full story
School attendance, refusal skills combat smoking risk in youth (October 26, 2010) -- New research is examining the unique differences in adolescent tobacco use among Asians and other groups to provide specific recommendations for prevention and treatment. The study found that youths who frequently were absent from school were more likely to smoke or engage in health-risk behaviors. Asian Americans who have parents and other family members that smoke are more likely to smoke. The findings also indicate that demonstrating refusal to smoke is related to non-smoking in teens. ... > full story
Scented consumer products shown to emit many unlisted chemicals (October 26, 2010) -- Even "green" fragranced products give off many chemicals that are not listed on the label, including some that are classified as toxic. A study of 25 of the most popular scented products showed they emit 133 different chemicals, of which only two are listed anywhere. ... > full story
Consuming polyunsaturated fatty acids may lower the incidence of gum disease (October 26, 2010) -- Periodontitis, a common inflammatory disease in which gum tissue separates from teeth, leads to accumulation of bacteria and potential bone and tooth loss. In a new study, researchers found that dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids like fish oil, known to have anti-inflammatory properties, shows promise for the effective treatment and prevention of periodontitis. ... > full story
Older people advised that taking an afternoon nap can lead to more active lives (October 26, 2010) -- Older people should not feel guilty about napping during the day if it allows them to keep active and busy when they are feeling less tired, new research reveals. ... > full story
Key molecules in multiple myeloma identified (October 26, 2010) -- New research links three molecules to a critical tumor suppressor gene that is often turned off in multiple myeloma. The findings might offer a new strategy for treating this incurable disease and perhaps other blood cancers. The study suggests that re-activating the three molecules triggers expression of the P53 tumor suppressor gene. This slows the growth and leads to the death of myeloma cells and could provide a new strategy for treating the disease. ... > full story
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