ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Thursday, November 11, 2010
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High cholesterol in middle age women not a risk factor for Alzheimer's and other dementias, study finds (November 11, 2010) -- High cholesterol levels in middle age do not appear to increase women's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia later in life, new research finds, despite a body of scientific evidence long suggesting a link between the two. ... > full story
Mutations in single gene predict poor outcomes in adult leukemia; Discovery may guide treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (November 11, 2010) -- Decoding the DNA of a woman who died of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has led researchers to a gene that they found to be commonly altered in many patients who died quickly of the disease. The findings, if confirmed in larger studies, suggest that a diagnostic test for mutations in the gene could identify AML patients who need more aggressive treatment right from the start. ... > full story
‘Magic bullet’ could eradicate side effects of drug used to treat rare genetic disease (November 11, 2010) -- A 'magic bullet' designed by pharmaceutical scientists could eradicate the side effects of a drug used to treat a rare genetic disease. Researchers have chemically modified a drug used to treat cystinosis -- a disease which occurs when the body's mechanism to remove excess cystine (an amino acid) breaks down, leading to kidney problems and eventually affecting other organs -- to remove unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, severe halitosis, body odor and a noxious taste. ... > full story
New dietary supplement reference materials could be 'berry' useful (November 11, 2010) -- Researchers have developed new certified reference materials for measuring amounts of organic acids in dietary supplements formulated with Vaccinium berries -- cranberries, blueberries and bilberries. Manufacturers and researchers can use this new suite of standard reference materials as quality assurance tools. ... > full story
New neuronal circuits which control fear have been identified (November 11, 2010) -- Fear is a behavioral adaptation which may be innate but can also be a consequence of conditioning. However, until now, the underlying neuronal circuits have remained largely unknown. Now, scientists have been able to identify, for the first time, distinct neuronal circuits within the central nucleus of the amygdala which are specifically involved in acquisition and control of behavioral fear responses. ... > full story
Inhibitory neurons key to understanding neuropsychiatric disorders (November 11, 2010) -- In 1999, researchers identified mutations in a gene called MECP2 as the culprit in a devastating neurological disorder called Rett syndrome. In new research the same scientists demonstrate that the loss of the protein MeCP2 in a special group of inhibitory nerve cells in the brain reproduces nearly all Rett syndrome features. ... > full story
Infant foods should be screened for mycotoxins, scientists say (November 11, 2010) -- Scientists call for protecting complementary food for infants in developing countries -- especially those where corn is a staple food -- against fumonisin, a toxin produced by fungi. Until now, physicians thought the growth retardation of children in those regions was to be blamed on the poor nutritional value of the complementary maize porridge they receive when breast milk is no longer sufficient. But toxins indeed are involved, scientists report. ... > full story
New insights into the development of epithelial cells (November 11, 2010) -- Scientists have gained new insights into the development of epithelial cells and their molecular repertoire. Researchers have identified a transcription factor (grainyhead-like 2, Grhl2), which regulates the composition of the molecular "bridges" that link adjacent epithelial cells. They demonstrate that Grhl2, via DNA-binding, directly regulates the expression of two such cell junctional molecules, E-cadherin and claudin 4. ... > full story
Attacking the drinking culture on college campuses from different directions (November 11, 2010) -- A multi-tiered effort designed to stem binge drinking at a large university and to change the campus drinking culture has produced notable results during a 2.5-year Indiana University study. Freshmen living on campus showed significant drops in the average number of drinks consumed in a week; in the percentage who drank at least once a week in the last year; and in the proportion of students who engaged in binge drinking in the previous week. ... > full story
Circuit regulating anti-diabetic actions of serotonin uncovered (November 10, 2010) -- New findings suggest that serotonin -- a brain chemical known to help regulate emotion, mood and sleep -- might also have anti-diabetic properties. ... > full story
DNA repair protein caught in act of molecular theft (November 10, 2010) -- Scientists have observed, for the first time, an intermediate stage in the chemical process that repairs DNA methylation damage and regulates many important biological functions that impact health conditions such as obesity, cancer and diabetes. ... > full story
Predicting heart transplant patient's health earlier (November 10, 2010) -- A pathology researcher has found a new way to analyze biopsies from heart transplant patients by looking at their genes. This allows him to make an early prediction whether the transplant is working. ... > full story
New transportable technology detects bacteria in water (November 10, 2010) -- To keep soldiers in the battlefield healthy, the US Army is exploring new ways to detect harmful bacteria in water. ... > full story
Cancer news articles may contribute to confusion about cancer (November 10, 2010) -- New research shows that most online news stories about cancer contain language that likely contributes to public uncertainty about the disease -- a significant finding, given that at least one-third of Americans seek health information online. ... > full story
Fructose-rich beverages associated with increased risk of gout in women (November 10, 2010) -- Consumption of fructose-rich beverages, such as sugar-sweetened sodas and orange juice is associated with an increased risk of gout among women, although their contribution to the risk of gout in the population is likely modest because of the low incidence rate among women, according to a new study. ... > full story
New class of 'dancing' dendritic cells derived from blood monocytes (November 10, 2010) -- The discovery of a new class of dendritic cells that stem from blood monocytes in mice promises to accelerate research into clinical therapies that use these cells, known to be the sentinels of the immune system. ... > full story
Computer-automated monitoring system may help identify medical devices with potential safety risks (November 10, 2010) -- Implementation in Massachusetts of a computer-automated safety surveillance system of clinical outcomes registries for cardiovascular devices resulted in the identification of a drug-releasing stent that had significantly higher rates of major adverse cardiac events than similar stents, according to a new study. ... > full story
Nanopore array allows simultaneous tests in search for new drugs (November 10, 2010) -- A novel nanopore array structure can be used to monitor the transport kinetics of membrane proteins by fluorescence microscopy. Due to the parallel design of the nanopore chip, a large number of samples can be analyzed simultaneously. ... > full story
College days -- more sedentary days (November 10, 2010) -- A new study finds that college students become significantly more sedentary as they move toward their senior year. ... > full story
New cancer drug target: Shutting down enzyme that controls DNA repair could boost effects of traditional chemo drugs (November 10, 2010) -- Suppressing cancer cells' ability to replicate damaged DNA could dramatically enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin, according to new research. ... > full story
New method for control of malaria applied in Africa (November 10, 2010) -- Research carried out in Mali, West Africa, has demonstrated that a new, safe and uncomplicated insect control method, developed by researchers in Israel, can bring about a serious decline in malaria-bearing mosquitoes in afflicted regions in the world. ... > full story
Chemoprevention biomarker for breast cancer identified (November 10, 2010) -- Researchers have identified a possible biomarker for measuring progress in breast cancer chemoprevention trials, according to new research. ... > full story
Couple's numeracy skills linked to greater family wealth, study finds (November 10, 2010) -- Couples who score well on a simple test of numeracy ability accumulate more wealth by middle age than couples who score poorly on such a test, according to a new study of married couples in the United States. ... > full story
Children with high blood pressure more likely to have learning disabilities, study finds (November 10, 2010) -- Children who have hypertension are much more likely to have learning disabilities than children with normal blood pressure, according to a new study. In fact, when variables such as socioeconomic levels are evened out, children with hypertension were four times more likely to have cognitive problems. ... > full story
Growth defects in cystic fibrosis may start before birth (November 10, 2010) -- A new study using a pig model of cystic fibrosis (CF) suggests that low levels of a growth promoting hormone at or before birth may contribute to growth defects in patients with CF. The study could help predict the severity of the disease in patients and may lead to new therapies for growth defects in people with CF. ... > full story
Portable microwave sensors for measuring vital signs (November 10, 2010) -- Current medical techniques for monitoring the heart rate and other vital signs use electrodes attached to the body, which are impractical for patients who want to move around. Researchers in Japan have developed a new technique to disconnect people from their electrodes by using microwaves. ... > full story
Sick at work and surfing the net? You're not alone -- or are you? (November 10, 2010) -- Some scholars estimate that presenteeism, a relatively recent buzzword that applies to people who are less productive at work because of health issues, costs employers as much as three times the dollar amount as absenteeism in terms of lost productivity. ... > full story
Rogue gene hijacks stem cells to jumpstart human cancer (November 10, 2010) -- A gene thought to be responsible for initiating human cancer has been identified by researchers in the UK. The study paves the way for developing early cancer diagnostic tests, and finding new treatments that prevent or stop the spread of cancer cells at an early stage. ... > full story
Why risk for sudden infant death syndrome is greater in babies of mothers who smoke (November 10, 2010) -- The link between maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) may relate to the negative effects of nicotine on the development of brain centers that regulate breathing, according to new research. ... > full story
Psychoprophylaxis helps men with tocophobic -- fear of childbirth (November 10, 2010) -- New research from Sweden shows that psychoprophylaxis can help men with tocophobia (fear of childbirth). The research also shows that although psychoprophylaxis generally has no effect on the experience of childbirth for women or men, its actual use during delivery seems to reduce the risk of emergency C-section. ... > full story
Probiotics shorten diarrhea episodes, review suggests (November 10, 2010) -- Probiotic bacteria given as therapies for diarrhea reduce the length of time sufferers are affected and lessen the chance of episodes continuing for more than four days. ... > full story
New findings on chromosome changes in tumor cells (November 10, 2010) -- New progress has been made on the road to understanding the origins of genetic changes in tumor cells. The prevalent theory has been that genetic changes in tumor cells come about in multiple stages over a long time. However, a recent study by researchers in Sweden shows that this does not have to be the case at all, but that the cancer cells instead can be subject to several major chromosomal changes at the same time. ... > full story
Overcoming the IVF baby blues: Hormones and stress are major contributors to depression, research finds (November 10, 2010) -- New research finds that pre-existing stress, depression, and anxiety are more likely than hormones to cause increased levels of depression during IVF treatment. The research offers a new way to diagnose potential states of stress and depression, making for happier moms and a higher IVF success rate. ... > full story
Human methylome sequenced at single base-pair resolution (November 10, 2010) -- DNA methylation plays an important role in many processes such as animal development, X-chromosome inactivation, and carcinogenesis. Understanding the mechanisms and functions of DNA methylation and how it varies from tissue to tissue and between individuals will have profound implications for human health and disease. A team of Chinese researchers decoded the essentially complete methylome (an inventory of all the bases that are methylated) of the human genome using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). ... > full story
New anti-inflammatory substance: Biochemists ID important messenger in immune system (November 10, 2010) -- The messenger interleukin-27 plays an important role when the human body blocks inflammations, according to new research by an international team of scientists. ... > full story
Alpha males take greater risks: Study links finger length to behavior (November 9, 2010) -- Potential investors might wish to examine the fingers of their financial adviser prior to signing over any savings. A new study has found the length between the second and fourth finger is an indicator of high levels of prenatal testosterone, risk-taking and potential financial success in men. The findings suggest that alpha males may take greater risks in relationships, on the squash court and in the financial market. ... > full story
Long-term statin use is unlikely to increase cancer risk, study finds (November 9, 2010) -- Researchers have further established that long-term use of statins is unlikely to substantially increase or decrease overall cancer risk, according to a new study. ... > full story
Obesity in adolescence significantly associated with increased risk of severe obesity in adulthood (November 9, 2010) -- An analysis of nationally representative data suggests that being obese in adolescence increases the risk of being severely obese in adulthood, with the risk higher in women, and highest for black women, according to a new study. ... > full story
Concern over traumatic brain injury in youth offenders (November 9, 2010) -- A new study of young offenders has revealed they have a significantly higher rate of traumatic brain injury (TBI) than that expected in society as a whole. Researchers in the UK also found TBI was associated with a greater number of convictions and, when there were three or more TBIs, greater violence in offending. ... > full story
Brains of Neanderthals and modern humans developed differently (November 9, 2010) -- Researchers have documented species differences in the pattern of brain development after birth that are likely to contribute to cognitive differences between modern humans and Neanderthals. ... > full story
Home exposure to tobacco carcinogens high in children of smokers (November 9, 2010) -- Ninety percent of children who lived in a house where an adult smoked had evidence of tobacco-related carcinogens in their urine, according to new research. ... > full story
Myth of a germ-free world: A closer look at antimicrobial products (November 9, 2010) -- Are antimicrobial chemicals like triclosan and triclocarban, as commonly used by consumers, really safe for human health and the environment? Are they even effective? According to new research, the scientific evidence suggests otherwise. ... > full story
Key link between adrenal gland hormone and brain in hypertension discovered (November 9, 2010) -- A hormone already responsible for increasing blood pressure by prompting the kidneys to retain salt appears to moonlight as a major stimulator of the brain centers that control the vascular system and blood pressure. ... > full story
Few eligible young women choose to take HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, study shows (November 9, 2010) -- In a study of more than 9,600 adolescent and young adult women, researchers have found that fewer than 30 percent of those eligible to receive the human papillomavirus vaccine to prevent cervical cancer actually chose to get it. And only about a third of those who began receiving the vaccine completed the three doses recommended for maximum protection. ... > full story
Starting dialysis earlier may be harmful for some patients (November 9, 2010) -- Beginning dialysis therapy earlier in the development of advanced kidney disease appears to be associated with a greater risk of death for some patients in the following year, according to new study. ... > full story
Alzheimer's disease: New study shows how amyloid beta disrupts one of the brain's anti-oxidant proteins, points way to protect it (November 9, 2010) -- A new study shows that amyloid beta disrupts one of the brain's anti-oxidant proteins and demonstrates a way to protect that protein, and perhaps others, from amyloid's harmful effects. ... > full story
Smoking increases risk of death in women with breast cancer, study finds (November 9, 2010) -- Being a current smoker or having a history of smoking significantly increased the risk of breast cancer progression and overall death among a group of multiethnic women with breast cancer, according to the results of a large prospective cohort study. ... > full story
Hyper-texting and hyper-networking linked to health risks for teens (November 9, 2010) -- Texting while driving can be a deadly combination for anyone. Yet, new data reveal that the dangers of excessive texting among teens are not limited to the road. Hyper-texting and hyper-networking are now giving rise to a new health risk category for this age group. ... > full story
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