ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Monday, November 1, 2010
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Human immune system assassin's tricks visualized for the first time (November 1, 2010) -- Scientists have seen the human immune system's assassin -- a protein called perforin -- in action for the first time. The researchers used powerful electron microscopes to study the mechanism that perforin uses to punch holes in rogue cells. ... > full story
Sex hormones may explain higher risk of gum disease in men (November 1, 2010) -- Sex hormones may be the biological reason why men are at greater risk than women for destructive periodontitis, an infection of the gums, according to researchers. ... > full story
Breast milk study furthers understanding of critical ingredients (November 1, 2010) -- Ask someone in the know to list the substances in breast milk that make it the ideal food for newborns and you may hear about proteins that guard against infection, fats that aid in the development of the nervous system and carbohydrates that promote the growth of healthy bacteria. But, you may not hear too much about the nitrite and nitrate in breast milk and their contributions to developing gastrointestinal, immune and cardiovascular systems. ... > full story
Five risk factors for late-stage head and neck cancer identified (November 1, 2010) -- A new study has identified five risk factors for late-stage head and neck cancer: two genes, tumor grade and vascular invasion and location of the tumor. Race, however, was not an independent predictor for late-stage disease, contrary to other research findings. ... > full story
Faster CARS, less damage: Chemical microscopy shows potential for cell diagnostics (November 1, 2010) -- Recent research may breathe new life into the use of a powerful -- but tricky -- diagnostic technique for cell biology. A new paper demonstrates that with improved hardware and better signal processing, a powerful form of molecular vibration spectroscopy can quickly deliver detailed molecular maps of the contents of cells without damaging them. ... > full story
Lifestyle intervention for overweight patients with diabetes provides long-term benefits (November 1, 2010) -- An intensive lifestyle intervention appears to help individuals with type 2 diabetes lose weight and keep it off, along with improving fitness, control of blood glucose levels and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. ... > full story
Scientists 'watch' formation of cells' protein factories, ribosomes, for first time (November 1, 2010) -- Scientists have revealed the first-ever pictures of the formation of cells' "protein factories." In addition to being a major technical feat on its own, the work could open new pathways for development of antibiotics and treatments for diseases tied to errors in ribosome formation. In addition, the techniques developed in the study can now be applied to other complex challenges in the understanding of cellular processes. ... > full story
Shifting forms: How variations of same protein affect immune response (November 1, 2010) -- How a T cell decides to make protein X, Y or Z can have profound effects for fighting foreign invaders or staving off dire autoimmune reactions. Researchers have identified the steps that control how different forms of an immune cell protein called CD45, which is critical for activating the immune system when faced with pathogens, are controlled in the arc of a body's immune response. ... > full story
Immune system's bare essentials used to speedily detect drug targets (October 31, 2010) -- Scientists have taken a less-is-more approach to designing effective drug treatments that are precisely tailored to disease-causing pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, and cancer cells, any of which can trigger the body's immune system defenses. ... > full story
Obese children experience later mortality post liver transplantation, study finds (October 31, 2010) -- A new study reports that obese children are at increased mortality risk in later years following primary liver transplantation (LT). Pediatric patients who are thin or severely thin, experience an early mortality risk -- within the first year post-LT. ... > full story
A technique that shows colorful connections in the brain (October 31, 2010) -- The connections between neurons in a young, growing brain are more dynamic and changeable than previously thought, according to research based on a new technique that reveals the brain circuitry of a living mouse. ... > full story
Miniature human livers created in the lab (October 31, 2010) -- Researchers have reached an early, but important, milestone in the quest to grow replacement livers in the lab. They are the first to use human liver cells to successfully engineer miniature livers that function -- at least in a laboratory setting -- like human livers. The next step is to see if the livers will continue to function after transplantation in an animal model. ... > full story
H1N1 flu linked to serious bacterial infections in children (October 31, 2010) -- The H1N1 influenza pandemic has led to a sharp increase in the number of children with a serious "secondary" bacterial infection called empyema in children, suggests a new study. ... > full story
Stereotactic radiotherapy slows pancreatic cancer progression for inoperable patients (October 31, 2010) -- For pancreatic cancer patients unable to undergo surgery -- the only known cure for this form of cancer -- a highly targeted cancer radiation therapy may help slow cancer progression and lessen disease symptoms, according to researchers. Called stereotactic body radiotherapy, the study found it was able to delay pancreatic cancer progression locally, on average, by almost six months. ... > full story
Breast density, no lobular involution increase breast cancer risk, study finds (October 31, 2010) -- Women with dense breasts and no lobular involution were at a higher risk for developing breast cancer than those with non-dense breasts and complete involution, according to a new study. ... > full story
Donor race may impact recurrent hepatitis C in liver transplant patients (October 31, 2010) -- The race of liver donors may affect recurrent hepatitis C in patients after liver transplant, according to a new study. ... > full story
Halloween candy: Frequency, not amount, raises cavity risk (October 31, 2010) -- Halloween can present a very scary time of year for any parent concerned about their child's oral health, since your kids will probably come home with that big haul of candy from trick or treating. But should you let them immediately gorge themselves on the candy and get it out of their system? One pediatric dentist thinks that might not be such a bad idea. ... > full story
Human induced pluripotent stem cells generated to further treatments for lung disease (October 30, 2010) -- Researchers have generated 100 new lines of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from individuals with lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis and emphysema. The new stem cell lines could possibly lead to new treatments for these debilitating diseases. The findings demonstrate the first time lung disease-specific iPSC have been created in a lab. ... > full story
Jekyll-Hyde microRNA binding variant linked to improved outcome in early-stage colorectal cancer (October 30, 2010) -- A variant site linked to poor outcome in advanced colorectal cancer has now been found to predict improved prognosis in early stages of cancer, according to new research. ... > full story
Halloween safety tips for families: Precautions you should take to keep your children safe (October 30, 2010) -- Monsters, goblins and super-heroes will soon be descending on homes everywhere and while Halloween is a time for fun and treats, certain dangers abound. ... > full story
Shuttle mice to boost disease research: Experiment on last flight of Discovery will probe spaceflight-induced immune-system impairment (October 30, 2010) -- When the space shuttle Discovery lifts off on its final flight Nov. 2, its six astronauts will be joined by 16 mice -- part of a long-term NASA effort aimed at understanding why spaceflight makes humans more vulnerable to infection by viruses and bacteria. ... > full story
New test measures DNA methylation levels to predict colon cancer (October 30, 2010) -- An investigational DNA methylation test could alter the screening landscape for colorectal cancer, according to new research. ... > full story
High level of practical intelligence a factor in entrepreneurial success (October 30, 2010) -- General intelligence is not enough. Practical intelligence can mean the difference between entrepreneurial success or failure. Psychologists have identified multiple kinds of intelligence, but a new study has found one -- practical intelligence -- to be an indicator of likely entrepreneurial success. ... > full story
Spice in curry could prevent liver damage (October 30, 2010) -- The chemical in curry could prevent or treat liver fibrosis, according to new research. ... > full story
Low birth weight may lead to poor growth rate in children with kidney disease (October 30, 2010) -- The lower the birth weight, the greater the chance of poor growth rate in children with chronic kidney disease, according to a new study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. ... > full story
Women with anorexia nervosa more likely to have unplanned pregnancies, study finds (October 30, 2010) -- A new study has found that women with anorexia nervosa are much more likely to have both unplanned pregnancies and induced abortions than women who don't have the serious eating disorder. ... > full story
Bed rest can harm, instead of help, in pregnancy complications, research suggests (October 29, 2010) -- Bed rest may not be the best option for preventing preterm labor and may even cause harm to the mother and baby, according to an integrative literature review. ... > full story
Three-dimensional maps of brain wiring (October 29, 2010) -- Scientists have developed a software tool that physicians can use to easily study the wiring of the brains of their patients. The tool converts MRI scans using special techniques to three-dimensional images. This now makes it possible to view a total picture of the winding roads and their contacts without having to operate. ... > full story
Researchers use math, maps to plot malaria elimination plan (October 29, 2010) -- An international team of researchers has used mathematical models and maps to estimate the feasibility of eliminating malaria from countries that have the deadliest form of the disease. ... > full story
Most preschool-age children exceed daily screen time recommendations, new study suggests (October 29, 2010) -- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents limit combined screen time from television, DVDs, computers and video games to two hours per day for preschool-age children. In a study soon to be published, researchers found that many children are exposed to screen time both at home and while at child care, with 66 percent exceeding the recommended daily amount. ... > full story
Is the shape of a genome as important as its content? (October 29, 2010) -- The complex associations between genes may be defined in part by the three-dimensional structure of the all of the chromosomes form together: the shape of the genome, according to researchers. By mapping out the structure of the fission yeast genome, they demonstrate how this non-random arrangement positions groups of genes together. This structure is not merely the shape of the genome, but also a key to how it works. ... > full story
Researchers build colony of colon cancer stem cells to test new approach to therapy (October 29, 2010) -- Researchers have devised a three-dimensional system in laboratory culture that mimics the growth patterns of colon cancer stem cells in patients. The assay, which uses green fluorescent "reporter" proteins to watch the process of stem cell differentiation, is designed to understand how these cancer stem cells behave, and to identify and test therapies that could halt production of the endless generations of new cancer stem cells that continually revive a tumor. ... > full story
Cancer: Key mechanism in the control of cell motility revealed (October 29, 2010) -- Scientists have identified a novel molecular mechanism in the control of cell motility. This research could eventually lead to the development of new cancer-treating drugs that could block the spread of tumors (metastasis). ... > full story
Not putting the clocks back this weekend would improve health, says expert (October 29, 2010) -- Not putting the clocks back this weekend but still putting them forward in the spring would be a simple and effective way to vastly improve our health and well-being, says an expert in the online British Medical Journal. ... > full story
Scientists uncover evolution of new virus, closely related to poliovirus (October 29, 2010) -- Scientists have completed the first major review of diagnostic methods and treatments for a rapidly evolving virus that causes hand, foot and mouth disease in children. The virus, called enterovirus 71, is closely related to poliovirus, and was first detected in California in the 1960s. Since then the virus has spread across Asia, affecting mostly children and some adults. Serious cases of the disease can include neurological disorders such as meningitis, paralysis and encephalitis. ... > full story
Organic solvent system may improve catalyst recycling and create new nanomedicine uses (October 29, 2010) -- Noble metals such as platinum and palladium are becoming increasingly important because of growth in environmentally friendly applications such as fuel cells. A new solvent system could improve the recycling of these metals. ... > full story
Olive oil protects liver from oxidative stress, rat study finds (October 29, 2010) -- Extra-virgin olive oil can protect the liver from oxidative stress. Researchers exposed rats to a moderately toxic herbicide known to deplete antioxidants and cause oxidative stress, finding that those rats fed on a diet containing the olive oil were partially protected from the resulting liver damage. ... > full story
Tighter regulations recommended on food advertisements during children's TV viewing times (October 29, 2010) -- Psychologists have called for tighter advertising regulations after a study revealed unhealthy foods are more likely to be advertised during children's peak viewing times than at any other point in the broadcasting schedule. ... > full story
Cancer's hiding spots revealed (October 29, 2010) -- In a study of mice with lymphoma, biologists have discovered that a small number of cancer cells escape chemotherapy by hiding out in the thymus, an organ where immune cells mature. Within the thymus, the cancer cells are bathed in growth factors that protect them from the drugs' effects. Those cells are likely the source of relapsed tumors, said the lead researcher. ... > full story
Certain cancer therapies' success depends on presence of immune cell, mouse study shows (October 29, 2010) -- The immune system may play a critical role in ensuring the success of certain types of cancer therapies, according to a new study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The research showed treatments that disable cancer-promoting genes called oncogenes are much more successful in eradicating tumors in the presence of a signaling molecule secreted by kind of immune cell called a T helper cell. ... > full story
The unhealthy ego: What can neuroscience tell us about our 'self'? (October 29, 2010) -- With Election Day right around the corner, political egos are on full display. One might even think that possessing a "big ego" is a prerequisite for success in politics, or in any position of leadership. High achievers-CEO's, top athletes, rock stars, prominent surgeons, or scientists-often seem to be well endowed in ego. But when does a "healthy ego" cross the line into unhealthy territory? ... > full story
Telomere length affects colorectal cancer risk (October 29, 2010) -- For the first time, researchers have found a link between long telomeres and an increased risk for colorectal cancer. Telomeres of some young-onset colorectal cancer patients showed accelerated aging. Other patients had telomeres longer than those of young healthy people. ... > full story
Green tea of no use in breast cancer prevention, large study finds (October 29, 2010) -- Green tea does not protect against breast cancer, according to new research. A study of data from approximately 54,000 women found no association between drinking green tea and breast cancer risk. ... > full story
Better detection for diagnostics and biochemical defense (October 29, 2010) -- Current detection methods for chemical and biological molecules involve using tiny, molecular "labels," typically fluorescent or radioactive entities, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process. A research team recently developed a system for detecting chemical and biological molecules without labels, and they expect the technology to have broad applications ranging from clinical diagnostics to drug development, as well as homeland security and environmental monitoring for biological and chemical weapons. ... > full story
A single interaction affects the way a child seeks information, study finds (October 29, 2010) -- Seven-year-old children only need to interact with a person once to learn who to trust and seek information from, according to a new study. ... > full story
Brain's journey from early Internet to modern-day fiber optics: Computer program shows how brain's complex fiber tracks mature (October 29, 2010) -- The brain's inner network becomes increasingly more efficient as humans mature. Now, for the first time without invasive measures, a new study has verified these gains with a powerful new computer program. ... > full story
Insulin-creating cell research may lead to better diabetes treatment (October 29, 2010) -- Beta cells, which make insulin in the human body, do not replicate after the age of 30, indicating that clinicians may be closer to better treating diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is caused by a loss of beta cells by auto-immunity while type 2 is due to a relative insufficiency of beta cells. Whether beta cells replicate after birth has remained an open issue, and is critically important for designing therapies for diabetes. By using radioactive carbon-14 produced by above-ground nuclear testing in the 1950s and '60s, researchers have determined that the number of beta cells remains static after age 30. ... > full story
New strategy to kill bugs -- even those in hiding (October 29, 2010) -- New strategies to apply antibiotics more effectively to hibernating bugs have been developed by researchers in the UK. ... > full story
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