ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Thursday, December 2, 2010
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Fountain of youth in your muscles? Researchers uncover muscle-stem cell mechanism in aging (December 2, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered how endurance exercise, like jogging or spinning classes, increases the number of muscle stem cells, enhancing their ability to rejuvenate old muscles. The finding could lead to a new drug to heal muscles faster. ... > full story
Report sets new dietary intake levels for calcium and vitamin D to maintain health and avoid risks associated with excess (December 2, 2010) -- Most Americans and Canadians up to age 70 need no more than 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D per day to maintain health, and those 71 and older may need as much as 800 IUs, says a new report from the U.S. Institute of Medicine. The amount of calcium needed ranges, based on age, from 700 to 1,300 milligrams per day, according to the report, which updates the nutritional reference values known as Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for these interrelated nutrients. ... > full story
Suicide rate among young women veterans more than twice that of civilians (December 2, 2010) -- Young women veterans are nearly three times as likely as civilians to commit suicide, according to new research. ... > full story
New findings detail how a virus prepares to infect cells (December 2, 2010) -- Researchers have learned the atomic-scale arrangement of proteins in a structure that enables a virus to invade and fuse with host cells, showing precisely how the structure morphs with changing acidity to initiate infection. ... > full story
Insomnia after myocardial infarction: Heart and brain appear to be closely connected (December 2, 2010) -- The heart and the brain appear to be even more closely connected than previously imagined. The damaging effects of myocardial infarction are apparently not confined to the heart, but also affect the brain. In fact, infarction seems to cause neuron loss at the level of the brainstem, which leads to insomnia, notably paradoxical insomnia. ... > full story
Drug-like compound stops thyroid overstimulation in early studies (December 2, 2010) -- Researchers have identified a compound that prevents overproduction of thyroid hormone, a finding that brings scientists one step closer to improving treatment for Graves' disease. In Graves' disease, the thyroid gland never stops. Thyroid-stimulating antibodies bind to receptors, activating them to keep the thyroid hormone coming and coming -- like a broken traffic light stuck on green -- and causing the body problems in regulating energy, controlling other hormones and maintaining cells throughout the body. ... > full story
One third of LGBT youth suffer mental disorders, Chicago study finds (December 2, 2010) -- One-third of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth have attempted suicide in their lifetime -- a prevalence comparable to urban, minority youth -- but a majority do not experience mental illness, according a new Chicago study. ... > full story
Loss of species large and small threatens human health, study finds (December 1, 2010) -- The loss of biodiversity -- from beneficial bacteria to charismatic mammals -- threatens human health. That's the conclusion of a new study by scientists who study biodiversity and infectious diseases. ... > full story
New gene for childhood cancer neuroblastoma is discovered (December 1, 2010) -- Pediatric cancer researchers have identified variations in a gene as important contributors to neuroblastoma, the most common solid cancer of early childhood. The researchers found that common variants in the LMO1 gene increase the risk of developing an aggressive form of neuroblastoma, and also mark the gene for continuing to drive the cancer's progression once it forms. ... > full story
CT best at uncovering drug mule payload, study finds (December 1, 2010) -- According to a study, the best way to detect cocaine in the body of a human drug courier, known as a mule, is through computed tomography. ... > full story
Retinal nerve function may be key to early glaucoma detection (December 1, 2010) -- Catching glaucoma as early as possible-before it destroys the optic nerve-is vital to preventing vision loss. Now a research team has shown that a test that measures the functionality of the eye's retinal nerve cells may be a key to early detection. Eventually, the test may also help evaluate how well glaucoma treatments are working. ... > full story
Death certificates confirm non-HIV-attributable diseases cause increase in deaths of people living with HIV/AIDS in US (December 1, 2010) -- During the decade since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, or 1996-2006, mortality among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) sharply decreased in the United States. So, too, did the percentages of PLWHA deaths attributable to AIDS-defining illnesses, just as there was a marked increase in the percentage of deaths attributable to heart, kidney and liver disease. ... > full story
Bone marrow stromal stem cells may aid in stroke recovery (December 1, 2010) -- Scientists have determined that bone marrow stromal stem cells may aid in stroke recovery. The study examining the effects of a systematic administration of either rat (allogenic) or human (xenogenic) bone marrow stem cells (MSC) administered to laboratory rats one day after their simulated strokes found "significant recovery" of motor behavior on the first day. ... > full story
What to do if you are bitten by a snake (December 1, 2010) -- Should you be the victim of a snakebite, the best thing you can do is get to a hospital as quickly as possible, according to a new review article. ... > full story
Researchers show an oncolytic virus switches off cancer cell surival signal (December 1, 2010) -- Researchers have identified a mechanism by which specific viruses acting as oncolytic agents can enter and kill cancer cells. This finding could help lead to the development of more targeted treatments against many types of cancer. ... > full story
Pray tell: Americans stretching the truth about church attendance (December 1, 2010) -- A new study finds that Americans are much more likely to exaggerate their attendance at religious services than are people in many other countries. ... > full story
Dangerous levels of lead found in used consumer products (December 1, 2010) -- The problem of toxic lead in used consumer products is extremely widespread and present at levels that are far beyond safe limits, according to a new study. Researchers found that many other items available for purchase throughout the United States -- such as toys, home décor items, salvage, kitchen utensils and jewelry -- contain surface lead concentrations more than 700 times higher than the federal limit. ... > full story
Finger length points to prostate cancer risk (December 1, 2010) -- Men who have long index fingers are at lower risk of prostate cancer, a new study has found. Men whose index finger is longer than their ring finger were one third less likely to develop the disease than men with the opposite finger length pattern. ... > full story
Tumors bring their own support cells when forming metastases; Noncancerous cells from primary site appear to facilitate tumor growth (December 1, 2010) -- The process of metastasis requires that cancer cells traveling from a primary tumor find a hospitable environment in which to implant themselves and grow. A new study finds that circulating tumor cells prepare this environment by bringing along from their original site noncancerous cells that support tumor growth. ... > full story
Most low birth weight babies become productive adults, study finds (December 1, 2010) -- Most survivors of extremely low birth weight grow up to become productive adults, according to a new study. ... > full story
Yo-yo dieting alters genes linked with stress (December 1, 2010) -- Stressed-out mice with a history of dieting ate more high-fat foods than similarly stressed mice not previously on diets, according to a new study. The findings suggest that moderate diets change how the brain responds to stress and may make crash dieters more susceptible to weight gain. ... > full story
New evidence for eye-protective effects of omega-3-rich fish, shellfish (December 1, 2010) -- Researchers wanted to know how the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) would be affected in a population of older people who regularly ate fish and seafood, since some varieties are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. A diet rich in omega-3s probably protects against advanced AMD, the leading cause of blindness in whites in the United States, according to recent research. High concentrations of omega-3s have been found in the eye's retina, and evidence is mounting that the nutrient may be essential to eye health. ... > full story
Perceived bad boys receive less pain medications in ER (December 1, 2010) -- If you should find yourself running from the police, watch your step. If you fall and break an ankle, chances are you'll receive less pain medication when they take you to the ER for treatment. That's one of the findings from a study who collected the data and is an emergency department doctor in California. ... > full story
Diabetes may clamp down on cholesterol the brain needs (December 1, 2010) -- The brain contains more cholesterol than any other organ in the body, has to produce its own cholesterol and won't function normally if it doesn't churn out enough. Now researchers have discovered that diabetes can affect how much cholesterol the brain can make. ... > full story
Surgeons test innovative device in patient with swallowing disorder (December 1, 2010) -- In what might be one of the world's first medicinal body piercings, surgeons announced that they have successfully implanted an experimental device in the throat of a man that will enable him to manually control his ability to swallow. ... > full story
Guiltless gluttony: Misleading size labels lead to overeating (December 1, 2010) -- People are easily fooled when it comes to food labels, and will eat more of something if they believe it's a "small" portion, according to a new study. ... > full story
Couch potato effect: Missing protein leaves mice unable to exercise (December 1, 2010) -- Researchers have unveiled a surprising new model for studying muscle function: the couch potato mouse. While these mice maintain normal activity and body weight, they do not have the energy to exercise. ... > full story
Gene therapy success in an immune disorder (December 1, 2010) -- A pediatric immunologists and gene therapy researchers achieved marked clinical improvements in two young children with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a very rare but often severe immunodeficiency disorder. ... > full story
Origin of cells associated with nerve repair discovered (December 1, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered the origin of a unique type of cell known for its ability to support regeneration in the central nervous system. Their findings raise the possibility of obtaining a more reliable source of these cells for use in cell transplantation therapy for spinal cord injuries. ... > full story
Drug-resistant HIV patients with unimpaired immune cells (December 1, 2010) -- Researchers have shown why, in a minority of HIV patients, immune function improves despite a lack of response to standard anti-retroviral treatment. ... > full story
Trust hormone associated with happiness: Human study suggests new role for oxytocin (December 1, 2010) -- The hormone oxytocin, which is known to be important in trust, may also be involved in a sense of well-being. According to new research, women who show large increases in oxytocin when they are trusted also report being more satisfied with life and less depressed. ... > full story
Sugary lemonade may cool a hot temper (December 1, 2010) -- A spoonful of sugar may be enough to cool a hot temper, at least for a short time, according to new research. A study found that people who drank a glass of lemonade sweetened with sugar acted less aggressively toward a stranger a few minutes later than did people who consumed lemonade with a sugar substitute. ... > full story
Mother’s young alter brain’s response to drug (December 1, 2010) -- The presence of a mother's young changes the way her brain responds to drugs, according to new animal research. The findings suggest new avenues of treatment for mothers who are recovering drug abusers. ... > full story
Tiny RNA molecules control labor, may be key to blocking premature birth (December 1, 2010) -- Tiny molecules called microRNAs act together with hormones to control the onset of labor, raising the prospect that RNA-based drugs might be able to prevent premature labor, researchers have discovered in a preclinical study. ... > full story
Anti-microbials are a common cause of drug-induced liver injury and failure, study suggests (December 1, 2010) -- New research shows that anti-microbial medications are a common cause of drug-induced liver injury leading to acute liver failure (ALF), with women and minorities disproportionately affected. While ALF evolves slowly, once it does occur a spontaneous recovery is unlikely; however, liver transplantation offers an excellent survival rate. ... > full story
Motorcycle simulator gives new clues to road safety (December 1, 2010) -- New research using a world leading motorcycle simulator to analyze rider behavior has proved that safer doesn't necessarily mean slower and that formal advanced training for bikers can demonstrate improved safety on our roads. ... > full story
Older animals unable to distinguish similar-looking objects (December 1, 2010) -- Older rats appeared unable to discriminate between objects with similar features, behavior comparable to that of elderly people, who often have memory and perception troubles. The older rats' actions may be similar to those of young rats with damage in specific brain regions, according to a new study. ... > full story
Brain scans detect autism's signature (December 1, 2010) -- An autism study using functional magnetic resonance imaging has identified a pattern of brain activity that may characterize the genetic vulnerability to developing autism spectrum disorder. The study could eventually lead to earlier and more accurate autism diagnosis. ... > full story
Internal body clock controls fat metabolism (December 1, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered that circadian rhythms -- the internal body clock -- regulate fat metabolism. This helps explain why people burn fat more efficiently at certain times of day and could lead to new pharmaceuticals for obesity, diabetes and energy-related illnesses. ... > full story
New report ties diabetes to shortened life expectancy (December 1, 2010) -- Despite medical advances enabling those with diabetes to live longer today than in the past, a 50-year-old with the disease still can expect to live 8.5 years fewer years, on average, than a 50-year-old without the disease. This critical finding comes from a new report that finds that older adults with diabetes have a lower life expectancy at every age than those without the disease. ... > full story
Are good-looking people more employable? Findings vary depending on whether it's a male or female applicant and who's doing the screening (December 1, 2010) -- In a new study by researchers in Israel, the resumes of "attractive" males received a 19.9 percent response rate, nearly 50 percent higher than the 13.7 percent response rate for "plain" males and more than twice the 9.2 percent response rate of no-picture males. Among women, the study indicates that, contrary to popular belief, "attractive" women are called back for a position LESS often than "plain women" (unattractive), as well as women who had no picture on their resume. ... > full story
People with mental illness receive inadequate mass screening for prevention of medical conditions, UK study finds (December 1, 2010) -- New research from the UK shows that people with mental illness are receiving lower levels of preventive medical screening compared with the general population. ... > full story
Alternative therapies may leave asthmatics gasping, study suggests (November 30, 2010) -- Approximately 13 percent of parents turn to alternative therapies to treat their children's asthma, according to a new study. The findings suggest that this trend is associated with a two-fold higher rate of poor asthma control in children. ... > full story
SRC-1 controls liver's 'sweet spot' for glucose production (November 30, 2010) -- SRC-1 (steroid receptor coactivator) orchestrates glucose production in the liver, regulating the activity of a cascade of enzymes that turns sugar production on and off in the liver, according to new research. ... > full story
Social support is most effective when provided invisibly (November 30, 2010) -- New research shows how social support benefits are maximized when provided "invisibly" -- that is without the support recipient being aware that they are receiving it. ... > full story
Children with autism have mitochondrial dysfunction, study finds (November 30, 2010) -- Children with autism are far more likely to have deficits in their ability to produce cellular energy than are typically developing children, according to new research. A study found that cumulative damage and oxidative stress in mitochondria, the cell's energy producer, could influence both the onset and severity of autism, suggesting a strong link between autism and mitochondrial defects. ... > full story
Dosing directions, measuring devices appear inconsistent for many children's liquid medications, study finds (November 30, 2010) -- An examination of 200 of the top-selling cough/cold, allergy, analgesic and gastrointestinal over-the-counter liquid medications for children finds that there have been high levels of variability and inconsistencies regarding medication labeling and measuring devices, according to a new study. ... > full story
Narcissistic students don't mind cheating their way to the top, study finds (November 30, 2010) -- College students who exhibit narcissistic tendencies are more likely than fellow students to cheat on exams and assignments, a new study shows. The results suggested that narcissists were motivated to cheat because their academic performance functions as an opportunity to show off to others, and they didn't feel particularly guilty about their actions. ... > full story
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