ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Friday, December 10, 2010
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Gene that causes some cases of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis discovered (December 10, 2010) -- Using a new gene sequencing method, researchers have discovered a gene that appears to cause some instances of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The finding could lead to novel ways to treat the more common form of this fatal neurodegenerative disease, which kills the vast majority of the nearly 6,000 Americans diagnosed with ALS every year. ... > full story
Aortic aneurysm treatable with asthma drugs, Swedish study finds (December 10, 2010) -- A new study from Sweden shows that asthma drugs are a potential treatment for aortic aneurysm. These drugs, which block cysteinyl-leukotrienes, could reduce the break down of vessel wall tissue and the dilation of the aortic wall, and thus the risk of its rupturing. This could both save lives and reduce the need for complicated and risky surgery. ... > full story
Seeing the invisible: New 'CSI tool' visualizes bloodstains and other substances (December 10, 2010) -- Snap an image of friends in front of a window curtain and the camera captures the people -- and invisible blood stains splattered on the curtain during a murder. Sound unlikely? Chemists are reporting development of a camera with that ability to see the invisible, and more. Called multimode imaging in the thermal infrared, the new technology could find uses in crime scene investigations and elsewhere, they say. ... > full story
Nighttime sleep found beneficial to infants' skills (December 10, 2010) -- Young children who get most of their sleep at night perform better in executive functioning than children who don't sleep as much at night, a new study finds. The study of 60 Canadian children aged 1, 1-1/2 and 2, examined the children's sleep habits and executive functioning skills, including impulse control and mental flexibility. The researchers found that children who sleep mostly at night did better on executive function tasks, especially those involving impulse control. ... > full story
Gene knockout shows potential for diabetes-related heart failure (December 10, 2010) -- Silencing the TLR4 gene can stop the process which may lead to cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients. Researchers carried out a series of in vitro tests which demonstrated that TLR4 plays a critical role in hyperglycaemic cardiac apoptosis, and that silencing the gene using specific small interfering RNA can prevent it. ... > full story
Cutting dietary phosphate doesn't save dialysis patients' lives, study suggests (December 10, 2010) -- Doctors often ask kidney disease patients on dialysis to limit the amount of phosphate they consume in their diets, but this does not help prolong their lives, according to a new study. The results even suggest that prescribing low phosphate diets may increase dialysis patients' risk of premature death. ... > full story
Teleworkers more satisfied than office-based employees (December 10, 2010) -- Employees who telecommute the majority of the work week are more satisfied with their jobs compared to those working mostly in the office because working remotely alleviates more stress than it creates, according to a new study. ... > full story
Our brains are wired so we can better hear ourselves speak (December 9, 2010) -- Like the mute button on the TV remote control, our brains filter out unwanted noise so we can focus on what we're listening to. But when it comes to following our own speech, a new brain study shows that instead of one homogeneous mute button, we have a network of volume settings that can selectively silence and amplify the sounds we make and hear. ... > full story
Impaired clearance, not overproduction of toxic proteins, may underlie Alzheimer’s disease (December 9, 2010) -- In Alzheimer's disease, a protein fragment called beta-amyloid accumulates at abnormally high levels in the brain. Now researchers have found that in the most common, late-onset form of Alzheimer's disease, beta-amyloid is produced in the brain at a normal rate but is not cleared, or removed from the brain, efficiently. ... > full story
Stem cells: A 'stitch in time' could help damaged hearts (December 9, 2010) -- Scientists have demonstrated the feasibility of a novel technology that a surgeon could use to deliver stem cells to targeted areas of the body to repair diseased or damaged tissue. The technique involves bundling biopolymer microthreads into biological sutures and seeding the sutures with stem cells. The team has shown that the adult bone-marrow-derived stem cells will multiply while attached to the threads and retain their ability to differentiate and grow into other cell types. ... > full story
For some, laparoscopic technique not always better (December 9, 2010) -- If skin is the body's fortress against germ invaders, shouldn't minimally invasive surgeries -- operations guided by camera probes, conducted entirely within the abdomen -- carry less risk for serious infection than procedures that slice the same cavity wide open? New research is challenging that assumption -- at least for a subset of patients. ... > full story
Stricter testing for federal ground beef program may not lead to safer meat (December 9, 2010) -- A new National Research Council report finds no scientific basis that more stringent testing of meat purchased through the government's ground beef purchase program and distributed to various federal food and nutrition programs -- including the National School Lunch Program -- would lead to safer meat. ... > full story
Babies born to depressed moms have higher levels of stress hormones, decreased muscle tone (December 9, 2010) -- The cocktail of hormones cascading through depressed mothers' bodies may play an important role in the development of their unborn children's brains. A higher level of depression in mothers during pregnancy was associated with higher levels of stress hormones in their children at birth, as well as with other neurological and behavioral differences, a new study found. ... > full story
Politics and eye movement: Liberals focus their attention on 'gaze cues' much differently than conservatives do (December 9, 2010) -- It goes without saying that conservatives and liberals don't see the world in the same way. Now, research suggests that is exactly -- and quite literally -- the case. In a new study, researchers measured both liberals' and conservatives' reaction to "gaze cues" -- a person's tendency to shift attention in a direction consistent with another person's eye movements. Liberals responded strongly to the prompts, consistently moving their attention in the direction suggested to them by a face on a computer screen. Conservatives, on the other hand, did not. ... > full story
Estrogen alone is effective for reducing breast cancer risk, study finds (December 9, 2010) -- While endogenous estrogen (i.e., estrogen produced by ovaries and by other tissues) does have a well-known carcinogenic impact, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) utilizing estrogen alone (the exogenous estrogen) provides a protective effect in reducing breast cancer risk, according to a new study. ... > full story
Common genetic influences for ADHD and reading disability (December 9, 2010) -- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and developmental reading disability are complex childhood disorders that frequently occur together; if a child is experiencing trouble with reading, symptoms of ADHD are often also present. However, the reason for this correlation remains unknown. ... > full story
Double-edged sword of dominance: Top chimps tend to suffer from more parasites (December 9, 2010) -- A study of chimpanzees has revealed that dominant animals with higher testosterone levels tend to suffer from an increased burden of parasites. Researchers observed the primates' behavior and studied their droppings to draw the link between dominance and infection status. ... > full story
Online photos may reveal your friendships (December 9, 2010) -- Comparing the locations of photos posted on the Internet with social network contacts, computer scientists have found that as few as three "co-locations" for images at different times and places could predict with high probability that two people posting photos were socially connected. ... > full story
Drug prevents post-traumatic stress syndrome, study suggests (December 9, 2010) -- Post-traumatic stress syndrome affects nearly 8 million people in the United States and is hard to treat. Scientists have for the first time identified the molecular cause of the debilitating condition and prevented it from occurring by injecting calming drugs into the brain within five hours of a traumatic event. ... > full story
Weightlifting slashes lymphedema risk after breast cancer treatment, study suggests (December 9, 2010) -- Weightlifting may play a key role in the prevention of the painful limb-swelling condition lymphedema following breast cancer treatment, according to new research. The new data cements long-running advice that breast cancer survivors should avoid lifting anything heavier than five pounds following treatment. ... > full story
Toddlers with autism show improved social skills following targeted intervention (December 9, 2010) -- Targeting the core social deficits of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in early intervention programs yielded sustained improvements in social and communication skills even in very young children who have ASD, according to new research. ... > full story
Influenza virus strains show increasing drug resistance and ability to spread (December 9, 2010) -- Two new studies raise public health concerns about increasing antiviral resistance among certain influenza viruses, their ability to spread, and a lack of alternative antiviral treatment options. ... > full story
Children who attend group child care centers get more infections then, but fewer during school years (December 9, 2010) -- Children who attend large group child care facilities before age 2 and a half appear to develop more respiratory and ear infections at that age, but fewer such illnesses during elementary school years, according to a new study. ... > full story
'Secret ingredient' in religion makes people happier (December 9, 2010) -- While the positive correlation between religiosity and life satisfaction has long been known, a new study reveals religion's "secret ingredient" that makes people happier. ... > full story
Fewer synapses, more efficient learning: Molecular glue wires the brain (December 9, 2010) -- Researchers have found that a single molecule not only connects brain cells but also changes how we learn. The findings may help researchers discover ways to improve memory and could lead to new therapies to correct neurological disorders. ... > full story
Parkinson's drug could treat restless leg syndrome, study suggests (December 9, 2010) -- A drug prescribed for Parkinson's disease may also treat restless leg syndrome without the adverse side effects of current therapies, researchers say. ... > full story
Sports participation does not guarantee that children get enough physical activity (December 9, 2010) -- Only about one-fourth of children participating in organized sports -- such as baseball, softball or soccer -- receive the government-recommended amount of physical activity during team practices, according to a new study. ... > full story
Teens who perpetrate dating violence also likely to perpetrate violence involving siblings or peers (December 9, 2010) -- Dating violence among adolescents is common and those who physically assault dating partners are also likely to have perpetrated violence involving siblings and peers, according to a new study. ... > full story
Dynamics of chaperone protein critical in rescuing brains of Alzheimer's mice from neuron damage (December 9, 2010) -- Dynamic regulation of the chaperone protein Hsp27 was required to get rid of abnormally accumulating tau in the brains of mice genetically modified to develop the memory-choking tau tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease, a new study found. ... > full story
Personalized vaccine for lymphoma patients extends disease-free survival by nearly 2 years (December 9, 2010) -- A personalized vaccine is a powerful therapy to prevent recurrence among certain follicular lymphoma patients, according to the latest results. When these patients -- whose tumors are marked by a specific protein that may be present in up to half of people with this type of cancer -- receive a vaccine made from their own tumor cells, disease-free survival is improved by nearly two years, compared with patients who receive a placebo. ... > full story
Study assesses nuclear power assumptions (December 9, 2010) -- A broad review of current research on nuclear power economics has been published. The report concludes that nuclear power will continue to be a viable power source but that the current fuel cycle is not sustainable. ... > full story
Mindfulness-based therapy helps prevent depression relapse (December 9, 2010) -- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy appears to be similar to maintenance antidepressant medication for preventing relapse or recurrence among patients successfully treated for depression, according to a new study. ... > full story
How do neural stem cells decide what to be -- and when? (December 9, 2010) -- Researchers have uncovered a novel feedback mechanism that controls the delicate balance of brain stem cells. Zif, a newly discovered protein, controls whether brain stem cells renew themselves as stem cells or differentiate into a dedicated type of neuron (nerve cell). ... > full story
How do DNA components resist damaging UV exposure? (December 9, 2010) -- The genetic material of DNA contains shielding mechanisms to protect itself from the exposure to the UV light emitted by the sun. This is of crucial importance, since without photostability – i.e. without "programmed" defense mechanisms against UV irradiation – there would be a rapid degradation of DNA and RNA. ... > full story
Role of stem cell transplant procedures for blood cancer treatment (December 9, 2010) -- Results from four innovative studies help answer outstanding questions about stem cell transplant procedures in treating various hematologic malignancies. New research reveals that there is no increase in overall cancer risk in people who donate stem cells and that the utilization of a double cord blood stem cell transplant is associated with better overall outcomes when used early in the treatment of acute leukemias. ... > full story
Sex, race, place of residence influence high blood pressure incidence (December 9, 2010) -- High blood pressure incidence may help to explain racial and geographic differences in the number of deaths from heart disease and stroke. In a 20-year study in four cities, high blood pressure in middle age was most common in black women, followed by black men, white men and white women. High blood pressure was more common in Birmingham, than in Chicago, Minneapolis or Oakland. ... > full story
Cranberry juice not effective against urinary tract infections, study suggests (December 8, 2010) -- Drinking cranberry juice has been recommended to decrease the incidence of urinary tract infections, based on observational studies and a few small clinical trials. However, a new study suggests otherwise. ... > full story
Parents' influence on children's eating habits is limited (December 8, 2010) -- Parents are often believed to have a strong influence on children's eating behaviors. However, previous findings on parent-child resemblance in dietary intakes are mixed. ... > full story
Different origins discovered for medulloblastoma tumor subtypes (December 8, 2010) -- Investigators have demonstrated for the first time that the most common malignant childhood brain tumor, medulloblastoma, is actually several different diseases, each arising from distinct cells destined to become different structures. The breakthrough is expected to dramatically alter the diagnosis and treatment of this major childhood cancer. ... > full story
Widening our perceptions of reading and writing difficulties (December 8, 2010) -- Learning to read and write are complex processes, which can be disrupted in various ways, leading to disorders known as dyslexia and dysgraphia. Two new studies provide evidence of this variety, suggesting that effective treatment needs to take it into account. ... > full story
Autism treatment: Researchers identify possible treatment for impaired sociability (December 8, 2010) -- Researchers have identified a potential novel treatment strategy for the social impairment of people with autism spectrum disorders, an aspect of the condition that has a profound impact on quality of life. ... > full story
Computer model for projecting severity of flu season (December 8, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a statistical model for projecting how many people will get sick from seasonal influenza based on analyses of flu viruses circulating that season. ... > full story
Pain: What Zen meditators don't think about won't hurt them (December 8, 2010) -- Zen meditation has many health benefits, including a reduced sensitivity to pain. According to new research meditators do feel pain but they simply don't dwell on it as much. These findings may have implications for chronic pain sufferers, such as those with arthritis, back pain or cancer. ... > full story
Are depressed people too clean? (December 8, 2010) -- Researchers say there is mounting evidence that disruptions in ancient relationships with microorganisms in soil, food and the gut may contribute to increasing rates of depression. According to a review article, the modern world has become so clean, we are deprived of the bacteria our immune systems came to rely on over long ages to keep inflammation at bay. ... > full story
New test shows promise for accurate early diagnosis of Turner syndrome (December 8, 2010) -- A recent study has demonstrated a novel and accurate test for early diagnosis of Turner syndrome. Turner syndrome affects one in 1,500 to 2,000 female live births and early diagnosis allows for the timely management of short stature and co-morbid conditions including cardiac and renal problems. ... > full story
Good grades in high school lead to better health, study suggests (December 8, 2010) -- The "A" grades that high schoolers earn aren't just good for making the honor roll -- they also make them healthier as adults, too, researcher suggests. ... > full story
Accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer with ultrasound (December 8, 2010) -- Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men, but its diagnosis has up to now been inaccurate and unpleasant. Researchers have now developed an imaging technology that can accurately identify tumors. The technology is based on ultrasound, and also has the potential to assess how aggressive tumors are. This can lead to better and more appropriate treatment, and to cost savings in health care. ... > full story
Blueberries and other purple fruits to ward off Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's (December 8, 2010) -- Eating purple fruits such as blueberries and drinking green tea can help ward off diseases including Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's, a report claims. ... > full story
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