ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Welcome to another edition of ScienceDaily's email newsletter. You can change your subscription options or unsubscribe at any time.
Vitamin D insufficiency high among patients with early Parkinson disease (March 15, 2011) -- Patients with a recent onset of Parkinson disease have a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency, but vitamin D concentrations do not appear to decline during the progression of the disease, according to a new study. ... > full story
Use of generic drug programs could save society billions of dollars, U.S. study shows (March 15, 2011) -- If all eligible patients filled their prescriptions through a generic drug program, the societal savings could amount to nearly billion, according to new U.S. study. It is the first to evaluate the potential national savings from a broad use of the discounted generic medication programs that are available at many retail stores' pharmacies. ... > full story
Heavy drinking associated with increased risk of death from pancreatic cancer (March 15, 2011) -- Heavy alcohol consumption, specifically three or more glasses of liquor a day, is associated with an increased risk of death from pancreatic cancer, according to a new report. ... > full story
Guided care reduces the use of health services by chronically ill older adults (March 15, 2011) -- New report shows that older people who receive Guided Care, a new form of primary care, use fewer expensive health services compared to older people who receive regular primary care. ... > full story
Painkiller prescribing varies dramatically among family physicians (March 15, 2011) -- Some physicians are prescribing opioids such as OxyContin 55 times as often as others, according to a new study. The study found most opioid-related deaths occur among patients treated by physicians who frequently prescribe opioids, suggesting doctors who prescribe a lot of opioids may not be doing so safely. ... > full story
Key mutations act cooperatively to fuel aggressive brain tumor (March 14, 2011) -- Mutations in three pathways important for suppressing tumors cooperate to launch glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor that strikes children and adults. But new research shows those changes alone are not sufficient to cause cancer. Tumor formation requires additional mutations, some affecting different points in the same disrupted regulatory pathways. ... > full story
Early success of anti-HIV preventive oral drug regimen is promising, but questions remain (March 14, 2011) -- The first human studies of an oral drug regimen to prevent HIV infection in high-risk individuals yielded a promising near 50 percent reduction in HIV incidence, but a number of issues require additional research before oral pre-exposure prophylaxis can be implemented on a large scale, according to an article in AIDS Patient Care and STDs, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert Inc. ... > full story
Gender stereotypes about math develop as early as second grade (March 14, 2011) -- Researchers report that children express the stereotype that mathematics is for boys, not for girls, as early as second grade, before gender differences in math achievement emerge. ... > full story
Toxoplasmosis: The strain explains severity of infection (March 14, 2011) -- Providing clues into why the severity of a common parasitic infection can vary greatly from person to person, a new study shows that each one of three strains of the cat-borne parasite Toxoplasma gondii sets off a unique reaction in the nerve cells it invades. ... > full story
Benefits of bariatric surgery may outweigh risks for severely obese, study suggests (March 14, 2011) -- Bariatric surgery is a viable option for patients who are severely obese and are safe surgical candidates who have failed medical therapy for losing weight. When indicated, bariatric surgery often leads to long-term weight loss and significantly improved health. While there are risks, bariatric surgery is considered a relatively safe procedure, especially in centers that perform many of the procedures. ... > full story
Why people read magazines featuring envy-inspiring models (March 14, 2011) -- New research reveals why people read fitness and fashion magazines featuring photos of impossibly thin or muscular models -- models whose appearance highlight the readers' own flaws. Many previous studies have found that people who are unhappy with their physical appearance feel even more dissatisfied when they are shown photos of models who have "ideal" bodies. ... > full story
Antioxidants in pregnancy prevent obesity in animal offspring (March 14, 2011) -- New biological research may be relevant to the effects of a mother's high-fat diet during pregnancy on the development of obesity in her children. An animal study suggests that a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet causes oxidative stress -- an excess of deleterious free radicals -- during pregnancy, predisposing the offspring to obesity and diabetes. Feeding rats antioxidants before and during pregnancy completely prevented obesity and glucose intolerance in their offspring. ... > full story
Tumor suppressor blocks viral growth in natural HIV controllers (March 14, 2011) -- Elevated levels of p21, a protein best known as a cancer fighter, may be involved in the ability of a few individuals to control HIV infection with their immune system alone. In a new study, researchers report that CD4 T cells from HIV controllers show highly increased expression of the p21 protein, and while capable of being infected by HIV, effectively suppress key aspects of the viral life cycle. ... > full story
Used woodwind and brass musical instruments harbor harmful bacteria and fungi, study suggests (March 14, 2011) -- Used woodwind and brass instruments were found to be heavily contaminated with a variety of bacteria and fungi, many of which are associated with minor to serious infectious and allergic diseases, according to a new study. ... > full story
Salmonella bacteria used to fight cancer (March 14, 2011) -- Researchers are using salmonella -- the bacteria commonly transmitted through food that sickens thousands of US residents each year -- to do what was once unthinkable: help people. Researchers believe salmonella may be a valuable tool in the fight against cancer in organs surrounding the gut -- such as the liver, spleen, and colon -- since that's where salmonella naturally infects the body. ... > full story
Multiple taste cell sensors contribute to detecting sugars (March 14, 2011) -- A new research study dramatically increases knowledge of how taste cells detect sugars, a key step in developing strategies to limit overconsumption. Scientists have discovered that taste cells have several additional sugar detectors other than the previously known sweet receptor. ... > full story
Monitoring blood for 'microparticles' useful in identifying earliest signs of emphysema (March 14, 2011) -- Monitoring blood for tiny particles released by cells lining the lungs may help clinicians diagnose emphysema in its earliest stages, according to researchers. The particles, called endothelial microparticles, are shed during the disease process as tiny blood vessels in the lungs, called pulmonary capillaries, are injured and die. ... > full story
Thrill-seeking females work hard for their next fix, rat study suggests (March 14, 2011) -- It seems that women become addicted to cocaine more easily than men and find it harder to give up. New research reinforces this position by showing that the motivation of female rats to work for cocaine is much higher than males. ... > full story
Potential way to protect neurons in Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS (March 14, 2011) -- Neurons lacking a substance called caspase-2 were better able to withstand pesticide-induced damage to energy centers known as mitochondria, scientists have reported. This finding could have implications for development of therapeutics for conditions such as Parkinson's disease. ... > full story
Scientists discover genetic abnormalities after creation of stem cells (March 14, 2011) -- Scientists have identified genetic abnormalities associated with reprogramming adult cells to induced pluripotent stem cells. The findings give researchers new insights into the reprogramming process, and will help make future applications of stem cell creation and subsequent use safer. ... > full story
'Good cholesterol' structure identified, could help explain protective effects (March 14, 2011) -- Researchers have determined the structure of human HDL cholesterol and say the finding could help explain how this "fat packet" protects against cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke. ... > full story
Computer model shows importance of feet, toes in body balance (March 14, 2011) -- Researchers are using a new model to learn more about how toe strength can determine how far people can lean while keeping their balance. The results could help in building robotic body parts that will closely imitate human movement, and might lead to a new generation of advanced prosthetics. ... > full story
Couples sometimes communicate no better than strangers (March 14, 2011) -- Married people may think they communicate well with their partners, but psychologists have found that they don't always convey messages to their loved ones as well as they think -- and in some cases, the spouses communicate no better than strangers. The same communication problem also is true with close friends. ... > full story
Miniature 'wearable' PET scanner: Simultaneous study of behavior and brain function in animals (March 14, 2011) -- Scientists have demonstrated the efficacy of a "wearable," portable PET scanner they've developed for rats. The device will give neuroscientists a new tool for simultaneously studying brain function and behavior in fully awake, moving animals. ... > full story
Better brain wiring linked to family genes (March 14, 2011) -- How well our brains function is largely based on our family's genetic makeup, according to a new study. ... > full story
Combination overcomes breast cancer resistance to herceptin (March 14, 2011) -- Breast cancer tumors take numerous paths to resist the targeted drug Herceptin, but a single roadblock at a crucial crossroads may restore a tumor's vulnerability to treatment, scientists report. ... > full story
Workplace noise-related hearing loss affects sleep quality (March 14, 2011) -- Although tinnitus was reported as the main sleep disrupting factor, hearing impairment among workers exposed to harmful noise contributed to sleep impairment, especially to insomnia, regardless of age and years of exposure. ... > full story
Parkinson's disease may be caused by microtubule, rather than mitochondrial complex I, dysfunction (March 14, 2011) -- Patients with Parkinson's disease suffer a specific loss of dopaminergic neurons from the midbrain region that controls motor function. The exact mechanism of this selective neurodegeneration is unclear, though many lines of evidence point to dysfunctional mitochondrial complex I as one root cause of the disease. Yet new research now suggests that defective regulation of microtubules may be responsible for at least some cases of PD. ... > full story
With new method, researchers can infer how tumors evolve and spread (March 14, 2011) -- A new method of analyzing cancerous tumors suggests that tumors may not evolve gradually, but rather in punctuated or staccato-like bursts. It is a finding that has already shed new light on the process of tumor growth and metastasis, and may help in the development of new methods to clinically evaluate tumors ... > full story
Adolescent alcohol use linked with genetic variation in DRD2 gene and drinking to cope (March 14, 2011) -- Drinking in teens is a problem, no matter where in the world. A recent study in the Netherlands shows that individuals with a genetic variation in the DRD2 gene may be at increased risk of drinking to cope with negative feelings and emotions. ... > full story
Researchers use lasers, custom microscope to show gene splicing process in real time (March 14, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a way to use lasers to study the splicing of pre-messenger RNA molecules, an essential process in creating proteins to sustain advanced organisms, including human life. Now this process of splicing, carried out by a cellular micro-machine called the spliceosome, can be viewed in real time. The research paper culminates a five-year-long collaboration of three research laboratories. ... > full story
Gene that mediates response to key cancer drugs frequently mutated in young leukemia patients who relapse (March 14, 2011) -- Despite dramatically improved survival rates for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), relapse remains a leading cause of death from the disease. Researchers have now identified mutations in a gene named CREBBP that may help the cancer resist steroid treatment and fuel ALL's return. ... > full story
Chronic liver cirrhosis clues: Study finds 15 new genetic signposts for primary biliary cirrhosis (March 14, 2011) -- Researchers have provided new clues to the genetic causes of primary biliary cirrhosis -- a chronic form of liver disease, which leads to transplant surgery for the majority of patients. The results more than triple the number of genetic regions known to be implicated, pinpointing key immune processes that underlie susceptibility and could provide targets for the development of new therapies. The team suggests that some of the regions are also implicated in other autoimmune diseases. ... > full story
Back pain in both master and dog, Swedish research shows (March 14, 2011) -- Both humans and dogs can develop back problems. Slipped discs have similar symptoms and can be treated with the same methods regardless of whether the patient has two legs or four, according to new research from Sweden ... > full story
Extra iron doesn't help many pregnant women, study suggests (March 13, 2011) -- Although universal prenatal supplementation with iron is recommended, an extra intake of iron does not noticeably benefit pregnant women, except when they are anemic, new research suggests. ... > full story
HIV-infected patients at higher risk for bone fractures (March 13, 2011) -- Low bone mineral density in HIV-infected patients is common and raises concerns about increased risks of fracture. Although there have been several studies regarding bone mineral density, there have been few data on rates of fracture in this population. A new study examined differences in the rates of bone fractures between HIV-infected patients and the general population and found higher rates of fracture among HIV patients. ... > full story
Testosterone linked to men's ability to 'woo' potential mates (March 13, 2011) -- Theories have long proposed that testosterone influences competition among males trying to attract females. Findings from a recent study give a clearer understanding of the links between testosterone and human mating behavior, and how testosterone is associated with dominance and competitive success when men battle for the attention of an attractive woman. ... > full story
Scientists reveal role of light sensor in temperature sensation (March 13, 2011) -- A light-sensing receptor that's packed inside the eye's photoreceptor cells has an altogether surprising role in cells elsewhere in the body, scientists have discovered. Using fruit flies, they showed that this protein, called rhodopsin, also is critical for sensing temperature. ... > full story
Contrary to popular belief, not all cases of chronic pancreatitis are alcohol-induced (March 13, 2011) -- The relative rate of alcohol-related chronic pancreatitis is lower when compared to other causes, according to a new study. Patients with no identifiable cause for their disease as well as those with non-alcohol-related causes represent an unexpectedly large subgroup, particularly among women. ... > full story
Judging couples’ chemistry influenced by serotonin (March 13, 2011) -- The judgments we make about the intimacy of other couples' relationships are influenced by the brain chemical serotonin, a new study has found. ... > full story
Mouse nose nerve cells mature after birth, allowing bonding, recognition with mother (March 13, 2011) -- For rodent pups, bonding with mom isn't hard-wired in the womb. It develops over the first few weeks of life, which is achieved by their maturing sense of smell, possibly allowing these mammals a survival advantage by learning to identify mother, siblings, and home. Blending electrophysiological, biochemical and behavioral experiments, researchers demonstrated that neurons in the noses of mice mature after birth. ... > full story
Molecules work the day shift to protect the liver from accumulating fat (March 13, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered molecules that act as "shift workers" to maintain the daily rhythm of fat metabolism. When those molecules do not do their jobs, the liver dramatically fills with fat. ... > full story
Pushing HIV out the door: How host factors aid in the release of HIV particles (March 13, 2011) -- New research shows how host enzymes contribute to the release of HIV particles from infected cells. With the aid of their new microscopy technique, they now aim to analyze the entire life cycle of the virus in unprecedented detail. ... > full story
Fewer than one-third of children ages 5-15 will wake up to home smoke alarms, study suggests (March 13, 2011) -- An Australian study to determine the likelihood of school-aged children waking up to their home smoke alarm found that 78 percent of children slept through a smoke alarm sounding for 30 seconds. ... > full story
Keys to long life? Not what you might expect (March 12, 2011) -- Cheer up. Stop worrying. Don't work so hard. Good advice for a long life? In a groundbreaking study of personality as a predictor of longevity, researchers found just the opposite. ... > full story
A blood test for lung cancer? (March 12, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered genes that increase not only one's risk of lung cancer, but perhaps one's urge to smoke as well. Now these researchers are working on developing a blood test for lung cancer. ... > full story
Pregnancy anemia linked to childhood wheezing and asthma (March 12, 2011) -- Need a reason to take your iron supplements? Iron deficiency during pregnancy may directly impact infant and childhood breathing health according to a new study. ... > full story
Not actually bad at math or auto repair? Women fear being stereotyped by male service providers (March 12, 2011) -- Women prefer female service providers in situations where they might fall prey to stereotypes about their math and science abilities, according to a new study. ... > full story
Copyright 1995-2010 © ScienceDaily LLC. All rights reserved. Terms of use.
| This message was sent to beritanarablog@gmail.com from: ScienceDaily | 1 Research Court, Suite 450 | Rockville, MD 20850 | Email Marketing by |
| Update Profile | Forward To a Friend |
