ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Tuesday, November 9, 2010
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Dangerous chemicals in food wrappers likely migrating to humans (November 9, 2010) -- Scientists have found that chemicals used to line junk food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags are migrating into food and being ingested by people where they are contributing to chemical contamination observed in blood. ... > full story
TB-drugome provides new targets for anti-tuberculosis drug discovery (November 9, 2010) -- Researchers have linked hundreds of federally approved drugs to more than 1,000 proteins in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), opening new avenues to repurpose these drugs to treat TB. ... > full story
Low vitamin D while pregnant or breastfeeding may not be associated with multiple sclerosis relapse (November 9, 2010) -- A small study suggests women with multiple sclerosis have lower vitamin D levels during pregnancy and breastfeeding, according to a new study. However, these vitamin D levels were not associated with a greater risk of multiple sclerosis relapse after childbirth. ... > full story
Do not abandon new cigarette warning labels, experts urge (November 9, 2010) -- Health Canada's cancellation of plans to renew tobacco warning labels on cigarette packages may lead to increased smoking rates and smoking-related illnesses and deaths, experts say. ... > full story
DHA improves memory and cognitive function in older adults, study suggests (November 9, 2010) -- Taking docosahexaenoic acid may improve memory and learning in older adults with mild cognitive impairments. This is promising news for many aging Americans who are searching for options to maintain memory and support overall cognitive health. ... > full story
Overweight children have eating patterns different from those of normal weight children, Norwegian study finds (November 9, 2010) -- Overweight children reported more frequent intake of healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables, fish, brown bread and potatoes as well as low-energy cheese and yogurt compared with normal weight children, a Norwegian study has found. ... > full story
Common corneal condition associated with increased eye pressure (November 9, 2010) -- Corneal arcus, a condition in which a ring of lipids builds up around the cornea, appears common among middle-age and older adults and may be associated with elevated eye pressure, according to new study. ... > full story
Clinical research doesn't do enough to study sex and gender differences, analysis finds (November 9, 2010) -- Potential gender differences in clinical management are under-researched. A systematic analysis of the incorporation of sex and gender into research design has found that, although there has been a progressive improvement since the 90s, there exists a striking under-representation of research about gender differences in patient management. ... > full story
Fish oil component given up to 5 hours after stroke limits brain damage, study finds (November 8, 2010) -- A new study shows that a component of fish oil is a powerful therapeutic agent that can protect brain tissue in a model of stroke, even when treatment is delayed by five hours. These findings not only target a new stroke treatment approach, but also provide vital information about the length of the therapeutic window. ... > full story
Statins fail to reduce colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women, study finds (November 8, 2010) -- The use of statins among a group of postmenopausal women did not reduce the risk for colorectal cancer, according to the results of a prospective analysis of data from the large population-based Women's Health Initiative. ... > full story
Nanoparticles' journey from lungs into body chronicled: Insights into pulmonary drug delivery, air pollution control (November 8, 2010) -- Using a novel, real-time imaging system, scientists have tracked a group of near-infrared fluorescent nanoparticles from the airspaces of the lungs, into the body and out again, providing a description of the characteristics and behavior of these minute particles which could be used in developing therapeutic agents to treat pulmonary disease, as well as offering a greater understanding of the health effects of air pollution. ... > full story
Greater food insecurity from recession poses increased risk to low income individuals with diabetes (November 8, 2010) -- The economic recession impacts many aspects of our lives including an increase incidence of food insecurity. For diseases like diabetes, in which nutrition and menu planning play a key role in treatment, food insecurity can be devastating. Researchers explore how technology advancement in the form of telemedicine can provide cost-effective ways to treat those with diabetes experiencing food insecurity. ... > full story
Potential target for therapy for patients with a deadly prostate cancer (November 8, 2010) -- A monoclonal antibody targeting a well known cell surface protein inhibited prostate cancer growth and metastasis in an aggressive form of the disease that did not respond to hormone therapy, according to a new study. ... > full story
Vapor rub relieves cold symptoms for children, helps them sleep better, study suggests (November 8, 2010) -- Applying a vapor rub is effective for treating children with night-time cough and congestion and improves sleep for children with cold symptoms, according to new research. ... > full story
Bilingualism delays onset of Alzheimer's symptoms, study finds (November 8, 2010) -- Scientists have found more dramatic evidence that speaking two languages can help delay the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms by as much as five years. ... > full story
Low blood levels of vitamin D linked to chubbier kids, faster weight gain (November 8, 2010) -- Kids who are deficient in vitamin D accumulated fat around the waist and gained weight more rapidly than kids who got enough vitamin D, a new study suggests. ... > full story
Infants' hemodynamic responses to happy and angry facial expressions (November 8, 2010) -- Scientists found that the hemispheric differences in the temporal area overlying superior temporal sulcus when processing positive (happy) and negative (angry) facial expressions in infants. ... > full story
Solar-powered device affordable, reliable tool to measure blood pressure (November 8, 2010) -- A new solar powered, automated blood pressure monitoring device was equally accurate as the standard device that measures systolic blood pressure. The device was favored by health professionals and patients when tested in Africa. The new device eliminates the need for batteries, which are expensive and scarce in low economic settings. ... > full story
Psychologists identify influence of social interaction on sensitivity to physical pain (November 8, 2010) -- Psychologists have shown that the nature of a social interaction has the ability to influence an individual's sensitivity to physical pain. The discovery could have significant clinical implications for doctor-patient relationships and the general well-being of an individual on a daily basis. ... > full story
'Altruism gene' associated with higher willingness to donate, researchers find (November 8, 2010) -- Do you like to do good things for other people? If so, your genes might be responsible for this. According to a new study, a minute change in a particular gene is associated with a significantly higher willingness to donate. People with this change gave twice as much money on average to a charitable cause as did other study subjects. ... > full story
Prolonged maternal separation increases breast cancer risk in neonatal mice (November 8, 2010) -- Young mice that experienced the psychosocial stress of prolonged separation from their mothers had a higher incidence and faster onset of breast tumors compared with young mice who did not experience this stressful life event. Specifically, neonatal mice separated from their mothers for a prolonged period of time developed mammary tumors twice as fast as mice that experienced short or no maternal separation. ... > full story
Fat cells reach their limit and trigger changes linked to type 2 diabetes (November 8, 2010) -- Scientists have found that the fat cells and tissues of morbidly obese people and animals can reach a limit in their ability to store fat appropriately. Beyond this limit several biological processes conspire to prevent further expansion of fat tissue and in the process may trigger other health problems. ... > full story
Childhood stroke study identifies the contraceptive pill and smoking as risk factors (November 8, 2010) -- Researchers are calling for clear guidelines on childhood stroke after a study found wide variations in time lag to diagnosis, investigation and treatment. They found that risk factors included the combined effects of oral contraceptives plus smoking or anaemia and that having a stroke had a significant effect on most of the children’s everyday lives and performance and impacted on the whole family. ... > full story
Scientists turn skin cells directly into blood cells, bypassing middle pluripotent step (November 8, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered how to make human blood from adult human skin. The discovery could mean that in the foreseeable future people needing blood for surgery, cancer treatment or treatment of other blood conditions like anemia will be able to have blood created from a patch of their own skin to provide transfusions. ... > full story
Autism study reveals how genetic changes rewire the brain (November 8, 2010) -- Using a blend of brain imaging and genetic detective work, scientists have illustrated how genetic variants rewire the brain. The discovery offers the crucial missing physical evidence that links altered genes to modified brain function and learning. ... > full story
Studying the metabolome of smokers, researchers find early signs of damage (November 8, 2010) -- Examining the blood "metabolomics" profile of smokers immediately after they had a cigarette revealed activation of pathways involved in cell death, inflammation, and other forms of systemic damage, say researchers. ... > full story
Tai Chi relieves arthritis pain, improves reach, balance, well-being, study suggests (November 8, 2010) -- A new study found that there are significant benefits of Tai Chi for individuals with all types of arthritis, including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. ... > full story
Understanding diabetes at the molecular level (November 8, 2010) -- Researchers have identified a key step in metabolic pathways linked to diabetes and cancer. ... > full story
Burning pain and itching governed by same nerve cells (November 8, 2010) -- We all know how hard it is not to scratch when we have an itch. But how can an itch be alleviated? Researchers now present the surprising finding that the same nerve cells that are active when we experience heat pain are also associated with itching. ... > full story
How physical environment influences stem cell development (November 8, 2010) -- Recent research reveals how physical qualities -- and not only chemical ones – may have an influence in determining how adult stem cells from the bone marrow develop into differentiated ones. The finding represents an important step in understanding the mechanisms that direct and regulate the specialization of stem cells from their undefined state. ... > full story
Fingers detect typos even when conscious brain doesn't (November 8, 2010) -- Expert typists are able to zoom across the keyboard without ever thinking about which fingers are pressing the keys. New research reveals that this skill is managed by an autopilot, one that is able to catch errors that can fool our conscious brain. ... > full story
MRI may help determine time of stroke onset (November 8, 2010) -- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain could expand the number of stroke patients eligible for a potentially life-saving treatment, according to a new study. ... > full story
Study sheds light on cancer-causing gene regulation (November 8, 2010) -- Researchers have uncovered the genes that regulate MDM2, an oncogene that, in turn, regulates the tumor suppressor protein p53. But instead of an on-off switch for MDM2, the team found what looks like a dimmer switch, suggesting a more complicated signaling pathway that is sensitive to a changing environment. ... > full story
'e-Learning' report shows online professional development aids teachers and students (November 8, 2010) -- Teachers who completed extensive online professional development showed improvement in their knowledge and skills, which translated into modest learning gains for their students, according to a five-year study involving more than 300 teachers and 7,000 students in 13 states. ... > full story
Why proper nutrition is so vital in fighting infection (November 8, 2010) -- Researchers in Canada may be able to explain why proper nutrition is so vital in fighting infection. They have discovered an amino acid, called arginine, is required to let the body know that it's being attacked by an infection. ... > full story
Obesity and diabetes: Immune cells in fat tissue explain the link (November 8, 2010) -- Inflammation-causing cells in fat tissue may explain the link between obesity and diabetes, researchers in Australia have shown. ... > full story
Estrogen not associated with lung cancer incidence and mortality among postmenopausal women, study finds (November 8, 2010) -- Use of estrogen alone did not increase lung cancer mortality in postmenopausal women, according to a new study. ... > full story
Detecting depression in caretakers of mentally ill adults (November 8, 2010) -- A diagnostic test of eight short questions can be used to detect depressive thinking patterns that lead to clinical depression in women who care for an adult family member with a serious mental illness. ... > full story
Drug regarded as alternative to standard treatment for preventing relapse of certain type of vasculitis does not appear as effective (November 8, 2010) -- In a comparison of treatments for maintaining remission of a certain type of vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), the immunosuppressant mycophenolate mofetil, regarded as an alternative to the drug often used to prevent relapse, azathioprine, was less effective, according to a new study. ... > full story
New player in innate immunity? Class of biomolecules triggered in response to respiratory virus infection (November 7, 2010) -- For the first time, scientists have discovered that long, non-protein coding RNAs produced in a mammal's cells during a respiratory virus attack may influence the outcome of infection. Researchers used new techniques to read a cell's library of RNA transcripts, which reflects gene activity and changing conditions inside and outside the cell. Scientists can now catalog and compare the appearance and activity of long, non-protein coding RNAs during an infection. Distinctive activity rates are linked to fatal infection. ... > full story
Controlling bone formation to prevent osteoporosis (November 7, 2010) -- Recent data have suggested that the imbalance between bone formation and bone destruction that causes osteoporosis is a result of a decrease in formation of bone forming osteoblast cells from mesenchymal cells upon aging. New research in mice provides insight into this decrease and might provide new avenues of research for those developing approaches to treat age-related osteoporosis. ... > full story
Any athlete suspected of having concussion should be removed from play, neurologists say (November 7, 2010) -- The American Academy of Neurology is calling for any athlete who is suspected of having a concussion to be removed from play until the athlete is evaluated by a physician with training in the evaluation and management of sports concussion. ... > full story
Simple blood test may diagnose deadly Niemann-Pick type C disease (November 7, 2010) -- A fatal genetic disorder that frequently takes years to diagnose may soon be detectable with a simple blood test, researchers report. For patients with Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, the test will make it possible to begin treatment earlier, when it is more likely to improve quality of life and to further extend lives. ... > full story
Vulnerable brain region may be central to progression of Alzheimer's disease (November 7, 2010) -- New research is helping to unravel the events that underlie the "spread" of Alzheimer's disease (AD) throughout the brain. The research follows disease progression from a vulnerable brain region that is affected early in the disease to interconnected brain regions that are affected in later stages. The findings may contribute to design of therapeutic interventions as targeting the brain region where AD originates would be simpler than targeting multiple brain areas. ... > full story
Precisely targeted radiation controls sinus cancer with fewer side effects (November 7, 2010) -- Treating paranasal sinus cancer with three-dimensional radiation that conforms to the shape of the tumor -- a technique that minimizes side effects such as severe dry mouth and vision problems -- is safe and effective, new research shows. ... > full story
Specialization builds trust among Web users (November 7, 2010) -- If you name it, they will use it, according to researchers who investigated how people perceive the trustworthiness of online technology. In an experiment, participants said they trusted websites, recommendation-providing software and even computers labeled to perform specific functions more than the same Internet tools with general designations. ... > full story
Looking older than your age may not be a sign of poor health (November 7, 2010) -- Even though most adults want to avoid looking older than their actual age, new research shows that looking older does not necessarily point to poor health. The study found that a person needed to look at least 10 years older than their actual age before assumptions about their health could be made. ... > full story
Protein preserves delicate balance between immune response and host (November 7, 2010) -- The immune system possesses a highly effective arsenal of cellular and chemical weapons that stand ready to defend us from harmful pathogens. However, these same mechanisms that are designed for protection can sometimes wreak havoc on our own body. Now, new research provides insight into the mechanisms that regulate natural checks and balances that optimize the immune response against potential threats while preserving host tissues. ... > full story
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