ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Monday, February 14, 2011
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Heat therapy could be new treatment for parasitic skin disease (February 14, 2011) -- Scientists are hoping that heat therapy could eventually replace a complex drug regimen as the first-line treatment of a parasitic skin infection common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The researchers successfully treated the skin infection with heat therapy in two patients whose immune systems were deficient, which lowered their bodies' ability to respond to medication. Both patients have remained free of the parasitic disease, called cutaneous leishmaniasis, for more than a year since receiving the heat treatment. ... > full story
Sugar residues regulate growth and survival of nerve cells (February 14, 2011) -- Researchers have found out that certain sugar residues in the spinal cord regulate the growth and survival of nerve cells which control the movement of muscles. ... > full story
Naturally occurring brain signaling chemical may be useful in understanding Parkinson's (February 14, 2011) -- Targeting the neuroinflammatory causes of Parkinson's disease with a naturally present brain chemical signal could offer a better understanding of the clinical mechanisms of the disease and open a future therapeutic window with the knowledge that the brain's microglia -- small cells that regulate the chemical environment of neural cells -- play a role in the inflammatory process and disease progression. ... > full story
Enhance romance by going out with other couples (February 14, 2011) -- Romantic relationships often start out as enjoyable or even exciting, but sometimes may become routine and boring. A new study reveals that dating couples that integrate other couples into their social lives are more likely to have happy and satisfying romantic relationships. ... > full story
Gonorrhea acquires a piece of human DNA: First evidence of gene transfer from human host to bacterial pathogen (February 14, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered the first evidence of a fragment of human DNA in a bacterium -- in this case gonorrhea. Research showed the gene transfer appears to be a recent evolutionary event. The discovery offers insight into evolution as well as gonorrhea's ability to continually adapt and survive in its human hosts. Gonorrhea is one of the oldest recorded diseases and one of a few exclusive to humans. ... > full story
How adult stem cell therapy reduces inflammatory damage (February 14, 2011) -- A novel stem cell therapy has provided multiple benefits in preclinical models of ischemic stroke, a new study suggests. ... > full story
Study yields promising results for patients with stroke (February 14, 2011) -- One year after having a stroke, 52 percent of people who participate in either a physical therapy program that includes a walking program using a body-weight supported treadmill or a home-based program focused on progressive strength and balance exercises experience improved functional walking ability. ... > full story
Child soldier trauma in Uganda shares similarities with Northern Ireland (February 14, 2011) -- Psychology students have discovered similarities between child soldier trauma in Uganda and those children caught up in Northern Ireland's Troubles. ... > full story
Chinks in the brain circuitry make some more vulnerable to anxiety (February 13, 2011) -- Why do some people fret over the most trivial matters while others remain calm in the face of calamity? Researchers have identified two different chinks in our brain circuitry that explain why some of us are more prone to anxiety. ... > full story
Embryonic stem cells help deliver 'good genes' in a model of inherited blood disorder (February 13, 2011) -- Researchers report a gene therapy strategy that improves the condition of a mouse model of an inherited blood disorder, beta-thalassemia. Some of the stem cell lines do not inherit the disease gene and can thus be used for transplantation-based treatments of the same mice. The findings could hold promise for a new treatment strategy for autosomal dominant diseases like certain forms of beta-thalassemia, tuberous sclerosis or Huntington's disease. ... > full story
Acute anemia linked to silent strokes in children (February 12, 2011) -- Silent strokes, which have no immediate symptoms but could cause long-term cognitive and learning deficits, occur in a significant number of severely anemic children, especially those with sickle cell disease, according to newly presented research. ... > full story
Nanoparticles may enhance circulating tumor cell detection (February 12, 2011) -- Tiny gold particles can help doctors detect tumor cells circulating in the blood of patients with head and neck cancer, researchers have found. ... > full story
Even with fetal lung maturity, babies delivered prior to 39 weeks are at risk (February 12, 2011) -- Despite fetal pulmonary maturity, babies delivered at between 36 to 38 weeks, still have a significantly increased risk of neonatal morbidities. ... > full story
Kids with ADHD much more likely to develop substance abuse problems as they age, study finds (February 12, 2011) -- Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, or ADD) are two to three times more likely than children without ADHD to later develop serious substance abuse problems in adolescence and adulthood, report psychologists. ... > full story
Firefly glow: Scientists develop a hydrogen peroxide probe based on firefly luciferin (February 12, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a probe for monitoring hydrogen peroxide levels in mice that enables them to track the progression of cancerous tumors or infectious diseases without harming the animals or even having to shave their fur. This new probe is based on luciferase, the enzyme that gives fireflies their glow. ... > full story
Compound blocks brain cell destruction in Parkinson's disease; Findings may open door to first protective therapy (February 12, 2011) -- Scientists have produced the first known compound to show significant effectiveness in protecting brain cells directly affected by Parkinson's disease, a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. ... > full story
Leptin resistance may prevent severe lung disease in patients with diabetes (February 12, 2011) -- Resistance to leptin, a protein that plays a key role in regulating metabolism and appetite, may help prevent the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury (ALI) in individuals with type II diabetes, according to a study conducted by researchers in Chicago. The study indicates leptin resistance, a common characteristic of diabetes, may help prevent the formation of inflexible, fibrous tissue that develops in ALI and ARDS. ... > full story
Scientists hope to cut years off development time of new antibiotics (February 12, 2011) -- Eliminating tens of thousands of manual lab experiments, researchers are working toward a method to cut the development time of new antibiotics. A computerized modeling system they're developing will speed up the often decade-long process. Pharmacy professors and engineering professors are focusing on dosing regimens to reveal which ones are most likely to be effective in combating infection and which are not worth pursuing. ... > full story
In online dating, blacks more open to romancing whites than vice versa, study finds (February 12, 2011) -- Has Valentine's Day become post-racial? Not yet, it seems. New research suggests that when it comes to dating, cyberspace is as segregated as the real world. Data gathered from more than 1 million profiles of singles looking for love online show that whites overwhelmingly prefer to date members of their own race, while blacks, especially men, are far more likely to cross the race barrier in hopes of being struck by Cupid's arrow. ... > full story
New drug treatment possibilities for Alzheimer's (February 11, 2011) -- Scientists have made a discovery that has the potential for use in the early diagnosis and eventual treatment of plaque-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes. ... > full story
New way to attack pathogens: RNA recycling system gone awry brings MRSA to a halt (February 11, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered a new way to attack dangerous pathogens, marking a hopeful next step in the ever-escalating battle between man and microbe. By stopping bacteria's ability to degrade RNA -- a "housekeeping" process crucial to their ability to thrive -- scientists were able to stop methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA both in the laboratory and in infected mice. The approach shows promise against the most severe strains of the bacteria as well as MRSA biofilms. ... > full story
Experts urge even greater caution in use of X-rays during pregnancy and infancy (February 11, 2011) -- Clinicians should be careful about using X-rays on pregnant women and infants because of the potential for a slight increase in the risk of children developing cancer, concludes a new study. ... > full story
JPEG for the mind: How the brain compresses visual information (February 11, 2011) -- Scientists take the next step in next step in understanding how the brain compresses huge "files" of visual information down to the essentials. ... > full story
Scientists combine targeted agents to kill multiple myeloma cells (February 11, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a novel treatment strategy for multiple myeloma that pairs two targeted agents to kill cancer cells. ... > full story
Root cause of blood vessel damage in diabetes discovered (February 11, 2011) -- Diabetes researchers have identified a key mechanism that appears to contribute to the blood vessel damage that occurs in people with diabetes. Blood vessel problems are a common diabetes complication. Many of the nearly 26 million Americans with the disease face the prospect of amputations, heart attack, stroke and vision loss because of damaged vessels. ... > full story
Reduced levels of an important neurotransmitter found in multiple sclerosis patients (February 11, 2011) -- Researchers show for the first time that damage to a particular area of the brain and a consequent reduction in noradrenaline are associated with multiple sclerosis. ... > full story
Young children choose to share prizes after working together (February 11, 2011) -- Grownups have a good sense of what's fair. Research now shows that this is true for young children, too. Three-year-old children shared with a peer after they worked together to earn a reward, even in situations where it would be easy for one child to keep all of the spoils for himself. ... > full story
New view of human evolution? 3.2 million-year-old fossil foot bone supports humanlike bipedalism in Lucy's species (February 11, 2011) -- A fossilized foot bone recovered from Hadar, Ethiopia, shows that by 3.2 million years ago human ancestors walked bipedally with a modern human-like foot. These findings support the hypothesis that A. afarensis was primarily an upright walker, as opposed to a more versatile creature that also moved through the trees. ... > full story
New hybrid drug, derived from common spice, may protect, rebuild brain cells after stroke (February 11, 2011) -- Whether or not you're fond of Indian, Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern food, stroke researchers think you may become a fan of one of their key spices. The scientists created a new molecule from curcumin, a chemical component of the golden-colored spice turmeric, and found in laboratory experiments that it affects mechanisms that protect and help regenerate brain cells after stroke. ... > full story
Study seeks new way to enhance neuron repair in spinal cord injury (February 11, 2011) -- If researchers could determine how to send signals to cells responding to a spinal cord injury, they might be able to stop one type of cell from doing additional damage at the injury site and instead, coax it into helping nerve cells grow. That is the theory behind new research at Ohio State University, where scientists are trying to determine how to simultaneously stop damage and promote neuron growth with a single, targeted signal. ... > full story
Looking at a tough hill to climb? Depends on your point of view (February 11, 2011) -- People tend to overestimate the steepness of slopes -- and psychologists studying the phenomenon have made a discovery that refutes common ideas about how we perceive inclines in general. ... > full story
Virus, parasite may combine to increase harm to humans (February 11, 2011) -- A parasite and a virus may be teaming up in a way that increases the parasite's ability to harm humans, scientists have discovered. When the parasite Leishmania infects a human, immune system cells known as macrophages respond. However, some Leishmania strains are infected with a virus that can trigger a severe response in macrophages, allowing the parasite to do more harm in animal infections. ... > full story
Natural toxin implicated as triggering Parkinson's disease (February 11, 2011) -- Investigators have found evidence that a toxin produced by the brain is responsible for the series of cellular events that lead to Parkinson's disease. ... > full story
Preservative-free nasal spray appears safe, remains sterile (February 11, 2011) -- In a small, short-term study, a preservative-free, acidified nasal spray appears safe and well tolerated and maintained its sterility in an applicator used multiple times, according to a new report. ... > full story
Exercise helps overweight children think better, do better in math (February 11, 2011) -- Regular exercise improves the ability of overweight, previously inactive children to think, plan and even do math, researchers report. They hope the findings in 171 overweight 7- to 11-year-olds -- all sedentary when the study started - gives educators the evidence they need to ensure that regular, vigorous physical activity is a part of every school day. ... > full story
Experimental agent better than aspirin at preventing stroke, study suggests (February 11, 2011) -- An investigational anti-clotting drug is safe and twice as effective as aspirin at preventing stroke or blood clots in atrial fibrillation patients who were unable to take standard drugs to prevent blood clots, study suggests. In these final results, researchers will also detail how the drug apixaban works in patients with previous stroke. ... > full story
Eyewitness memory susceptible to misinformation after testing (February 11, 2011) -- Recently in Palm Beach County, Fla., law enforcement started working to develop a consistent set of rules for eyewitnesses, hoping it will help prevent false convictions. And a new study finds that there may be good reason to question the recall of some eyewitnesses. ... > full story
Hearing loss common following radiation therapy for head and neck cancer (February 11, 2011) -- Patients who undergo radiation therapy for head and neck cancer appear more likely to experience hearing loss and to be more disabled by its effects than those who do not receive such treatment, according to a new report. ... > full story
Is it time for all skiers to wear helmets? (February 11, 2011) -- In a bid to decrease brain injuries from skiing and snowboarding accidents, experts are calling for more public awareness to promote ski helmets. ... > full story
How much information is there in the world? (February 11, 2011) -- Think you're overloaded with information? Not even close. A new study calculates how much information humankind can handle. ... > full story
Circulating blood antibodies are not required for HIV protection, study suggests (February 11, 2011) -- A vaccine which stimulates production of specific anti-HIV antibodies in the vaginal tissue was sufficient to protect monkeys from exposure to live virus, according to a new study. The results may also help to explain why a few individuals who lack anti-HIV antibodies in the blood are able to resist infection, even when they are repeatedly exposed to HIV. ... > full story
Discovery may lead to turning back the clock on ovarian cancer (February 11, 2011) -- Cancer researchers have discovered that a type of regulatory RNA may be effective in fighting ovarian cancer. This new discovery may allow physicians to turn back the clock of the tumor's life cycle to a phase where traditional chemotherapy can better do its job. ... > full story
Study examines relationship between autoimmune skin disease and neurologic disorders (February 11, 2011) -- Individuals with the autoimmune skin disease bullous pemphigoid appear more likely to have a diagnosis of neurologic disease, such as dementia and cerebrovascular disease, according to a new report. ... > full story
Pollution controls used during China Olympics could save lives if continued, study concludes (February 11, 2011) -- The air pollution control measures that were put in place in Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games -- if continued -- would cut almost in half the lifetime risk of lung cancer for the area's residents from certain inhaled pollutants, a new study concludes. ... > full story
Handwriting problems affect children with autism into the teenage years (February 11, 2011) -- A new study suggests that the handwriting problems that affect children with autism are likely to continue into their teenage years. ... > full story
Gene mutations linked to high blood pressure (February 11, 2011) -- Scientists have identified two novel genetic mutations that can trigger hypertension in up to a third of patients suffering from a common cause of severe high blood pressure. ... > full story
Preventing heart failure and increasing survival rates in cancer patients (February 11, 2011) -- New research could help reduce heart failure in cancer patients around the world, and ultimately increase survival rates. Scientists have discovered the role of an enzyme which, when a patient receives chemotherapy, can cause life-threatening damage to the heart. This has, until now, restricted the amount of chemotherapy doses a patient can receive, thereby diluting the chemotherapy's effectiveness in destroying cancerous tumors. ... > full story
Study examines surgeons' stress related to surgery and night duty (February 11, 2011) -- A small study of Japanese surgeons suggests that duration of surgery and the amount of blood loss are associated with increased stress scores, and that night duty is associated with reduced stress arousal scores, according to a new study. ... > full story
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