ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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Communication breakdown: What happens to nerve cells in Parkinson's disease (February 10, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered a molecular link between Parkinson's disease and defects in the ability of nerve cells to communicate. The study provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease, and could lead to innovative new therapeutic strategies. ... > full story
High prevalence of atrial fibrillation found among cross-country skiers (February 10, 2010) -- At this year's Birkebeiner ski marathon, 12,000 cross-country skiers will line up for the 54 kilometer race, run almost every year since 1932. In 1976 almost 150 participants were invited to take part in a long-term study designed to discover the extent of latent heart disease in these elite cross-country skiers. Now, the results of the follow-up study have been published and suggest that long-distance competition skiers are at an unusually high risk of atrial fibrillation. ... > full story
Obese teens who receive gastric banding achieve significant weight loss (February 10, 2010) -- A higher percentage of severely obese adolescents who received laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding lost more than 50 percent of excess weight and experienced greater benefits to health and quality of life compared to those in an intensive lifestyle management program, according to a new study. ... > full story
Cell-phone bans while driving have more impact in dense, urban areas (February 10, 2010) -- A new study analyzing the impact of hand-held cell phone legislation on driving safety concludes that usage-ban laws had more of an impact in densely populated urban areas with a higher number of licensed drivers than in rural areas where there are fewer licensed drivers. ... > full story
New proposed changes posted for leading manual of mental disorders: Draft diagnostic criteria for DSM-5 (February 10, 2010) -- The American Psychiatric Association has released the proposed draft diagnostic criteria for the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The draft criteria represent content changes under consideration for DSM, which is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health and other health professionals, and is used for diagnostic and research purposes. ... > full story
Antiretroviral therapy associated with increase in pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa (February 10, 2010) -- A new study conducted in a multi-country HIV treatment program in sub-Saharan Africa has found that pregnancy rates increase in HIV-infected women after they start antiretroviral therapy. ... > full story
Anesthetic approach stops pain without affecting motor function (February 9, 2010) -- One of the holy grails of local anesthesia is the ability to achieve a long-lasting nerve block that eliminates pain sensation while not affecting motor function. Now, researchers have discovered an anesthetic approach that seems to do just that. ... > full story
New approach to treating breast and prostate cancers (February 9, 2010) -- In a new approach to developing treatments for breast cancer, prostate cancer and enlarged hearts, researchers are zeroing in on a workhorse protein called RSK. When activated, RSK is involved in cell survival, cell proliferation, cell enlargement and a rare disease called Carney complex. ... > full story
Prion protein in cell culture (February 9, 2010) -- The fatal brain disease Creutzfeldt-Jakob in humans, BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) in cattle and scrapie in sheep are so-called prion diseases, whereby one of the body's normal proteins, the prion protein PrPc misfolds into a pathogenic form: PrPSc. In spite of several years of extensive research, little is still known about what actually happens in this process. ... > full story
Patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis can undergo surgery sooner, shortening hospital stays (February 9, 2010) -- Patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis can safely undergo surgery within 48 hours of admission, a new approach that can shorten hospital stays. ... > full story
Locust study promises new insights into limb control (February 9, 2010) -- New research into how the brain controls the movements of limbs could prompt major advances in understanding the human brain and the development of prosthetic limbs. ... > full story
Family meals, adequate sleep and limited TV may lower childhood obesity (February 9, 2010) -- A new national study suggests that preschool-aged children are likely to have a lower risk for obesity if they regularly engage in one or more of three specific household routines: eating dinner as a family, getting adequate sleep and limiting their weekday television viewing time. The study showed that 4-year-olds living in homes with all three routines had an almost 40 percent lower prevalence of obesity than did children living in homes that practiced none of these routines. ... > full story
Brain protein for synapse development identified (February 9, 2010) -- A new study identifies for the first time a brain protein called SynDIG1 that plays a critical role in creating and sustaining synapses, the complex chemical signaling system responsible for communication between neurons. ... > full story
Study examines course and treatment of unexplained chest pain (February 9, 2010) -- Fewer than half of individuals who have "non-specific" chest pain (not explained by a well-known condition) experience relief from symptoms following standard medical care, according to a new study. In addition, one-tenth of those with persistent chest pain undergo potentially unnecessary diagnostic testing. ... > full story
Auto exhaust linked to thickening of arteries, possible increased risk of heart attack (February 9, 2010) -- Swiss, California and Spanish researchers have found that particulates from auto exhaust can lead to the thickening of artery walls, possibly increasing chances of a heart attack and stroke. ... > full story
Dangers of older allergy drugs often underestimated and overlooked (February 9, 2010) -- Experts warn that older antihistamines in over-the-counter allergy medications -- the most common form of self-medication in allergic rhinitis -- may be hazardous to our health. A position paper reviews new data on the treatment of allergies with older antihistamines compared with newer, second-generation H1-antihistamines. ... > full story
'Counterfactual' thinkers are more motivated and analytical, study suggests (February 9, 2010) -- Counterfactual thinking -- considering a "turning point" moment in the past and alternate universes had it not occurred -- heightens one's perception of the moment as significant, and even fated, according to a new study. Armed with a sense that life may not be arbitrary, counterfactual thinkers are more motivated and analytical in organizational settings, the study suggests. ... > full story
Poor hand-grip strength associated with poor survival (February 9, 2010) -- Poor or declining hand-grip strength in the oldest old is associated with poor survival and may be used as a tool to assess mortality, found a new article. The fastest growing segment of the elderly population is the group older than 85 years, classified as the oldest old. ... > full story
Detecting cancer early (February 9, 2010) -- A new testing method is being developed to detect cancer soon after the tumor has formed. It will identify characteristic substances in the blood which accompany a certain type of tumor. The first steps in the development have already been completed. ... > full story
Marijuana ineffective as an Alzheimer's treatment (February 9, 2010) -- The benefits of marijuana in tempering or reversing the effects of Alzheimer's disease have been challenged in a new study. ... > full story
Morality research sheds light on the origins of religion (February 9, 2010) -- The details surrounding the emergence and evolution of religion have not been clearly established and remain a source of much debate among scholars. Now, a new article brings a new understanding to this long-standing discussion by exploring the fascinating link between morality and religion. ... > full story
Brain location for fear of losing money pinpointed -- the amygdala (February 9, 2010) -- Two patients with rare lesions to the brain have provided direct of evidence of how we make decisions -- and what makes us dislike the thought of losing money. ... > full story
Mediterranean diet may lower risk of brain damage that causes thinking problems (February 9, 2010) -- A Mediterranean diet may help people avoid the small areas of brain damage that can lead to problems with thinking and memory, according to a new study. ... > full story
Beer is a rich source of silicon and may help prevent osteoporosis (February 9, 2010) -- A new study suggests that beer is a significant source of dietary silicon, a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density. Beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon. ... > full story
Blueberries counteract intestinal diseases (February 9, 2010) -- It is already known that blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. New research shows that blueberry fiber is important and can alleviate and protect against intestinal inflammations, such as ulcerative colitis. The protective effect is even better if the blueberries are eaten together with probiotics. ... > full story
Plant derivative could help refine cancer treatment (February 9, 2010) -- Researchers are seeking to refine cancer treatment with an anti-inflammatory plant derivative long used in Chinese medicine. ... > full story
Music, not gadgets, related to teenagers' headaches (February 9, 2010) -- Use of most electronic media is not associated with headaches, at least not in adolescents. A study of 1,025 13- to 17-year-olds found no association between the use of computer games, mobile phones or television and the occurrence of headaches or migraines. However, listening to one or two hours of music every day was associated with a pounding head. ... > full story
Carcinogens form from third-hand smoke (February 9, 2010) -- Nicotine in third-hand smoke, the residue from tobacco smoke that clings to virtually all surfaces long after a cigarette has been extinguished, reacts with the common indoor air pollutant nitrous acid to produce dangerous carcinogens. ... > full story
Drug shows promise for Huntington's disease (February 9, 2010) -- An early stage clinical trial of the experimental drug dimebon (latrepirdine) in people with Huntington's disease appears to be safe and may improve cognition. ... > full story
Smart coating opens door to safer hip, knee and dental implants (February 9, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a "smart coating" that helps surgical implants bond more closely with bone and ward off infection. ... > full story
High-altitude climbs may cause corneal swelling, but do not appear to affect vision (February 9, 2010) -- Swelling commonly occurs in the corneas of mountain climbers, but does not appear to affect vision at altitudes of up to 6,300 meters (about 20,670 feet), according to a new study. ... > full story
Depressed people feel more gray than blue (February 9, 2010) -- People with anxiety and depression are most likely to use a shade of gray to represent their mental state. Researchers describe the development of a color chart, the Manchester Color Wheel, which can be used to study people's preferred pigment in relation to their state of mind. ... > full story
Soft drink consumption may markedly increase risk of pancreatic cancer (February 9, 2010) -- Consuming two or more soft drinks per week increased the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by nearly twofold compared to individuals who did not consume soft drinks, according to a new study. ... > full story
Enhancing arrest of cell growth to treat cancer in mice (February 9, 2010) -- New research has identified a new type of cellular senescence (i.e., irreversible arrest of cell growth) and determined a way to enhance it to suppress prostate tumor development and growth in mice. These data suggest that enhancing this process might provide a new approach for cancer prevention and therapy. ... > full story
Rab25: a suppressor of tumor formation in intestines? (February 9, 2010) -- Colorectal adenocarcinoma accounts for the majority of cases of colorectal cancer. A series of genetic mutations in the cells lining the colon (intestinal epithelial cells) is thought to be the cause of colorectal adenocarcinoma. By studying mouse models of colon cancer and tissue from individuals with colorectal adenocarcinoma, researchers have now identified RAB25 as one gene that might be involved in the formation of colorectal adenocarcinomas. ... > full story
Nicotine replacement therapy is over-promoted since most ex-smokers quit unassisted, experts argue (February 9, 2010) -- Health authorities should emphasize the positive message that the most successful method used by most ex-smokers is unassisted cessation, despite the promotion of cessation drugs by pharmaceutical companies and many tobacco control advocates, according to a new article. ... > full story
Mice shed new light on causes of childhood deafness (February 9, 2010) -- Mice with a genetic change that causes progressive hearing loss in children, also have hearing loss because sound waves are not processed properly. The ear's attempts to compensate for hearing loss may, ironically, cause further damage leading to complete hearing loss. These mice will allow detailed research into many forms of deafness, and bring closer the prospects of therapies to slow or halt hearing loss in both children and adults. ... > full story
Complete chemokine profile of a cell (February 9, 2010) -- Chemokines are a large group of proteins whose predominant function is to direct cell migration. They regulate many physiological and pathophysiological processes, in particular in the immune system. Researchers have now developed a simple method to efficiently identify all the chemokines produced by a single cell type, something that has not been possible before. ... > full story
Method of the future uses single-cell imaging to identify gene interactions (February 9, 2010) -- Cellular imaging offers a wealth of data about how cells respond to stimuli, but harnessing this technique to study biological systems is a daunting challenge. Researchers have now developed a novel method of interpreting data from single-cell images to identify genetic interactions within biological networks, offering a glimpse into the future of high-throughput cell imaging analysis. ... > full story
More smokers than non-smokers accept HPV vaccination for their daughters (February 9, 2010) -- A parent's existing health habits or behaviors, like cigarette smoking, may influence the likelihood that they will have their daughters vaccinated against HPV. ... > full story
Double agent: Glial cells can protect or kill neurons, vision (February 8, 2010) -- Scientists have identified a double agent in the eye that, once triggered, can morph from neuron protector to neuron killer. The discovery has significant health implications since the neurons killed through this process results in vision loss and blindness. ... > full story
Better sign of blood vessel narrowing and early coronary artery disease (February 8, 2010) -- Cardiologists and heart imaging specialists at 15 medical centers in eight countries have enrolled the first dozen patients in a year-long investigation to learn whether the subtle squeezing of blood flow through the inner layers of the heart is better than traditional SPECT nuclear imaging tests and other diagnostic radiology procedures for accurately tracking the earliest signs of coronary artery clogs. ... > full story
Genes that regulate maternal inflammatory response, bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth related (February 8, 2010) -- Researchers have used haplotype tagging (hap-tag) single-nucleotide polymorphisms to study the relationship between genetic predispositions, an environmental factor -- bacterial vaginosis -- and preterm birth. ... > full story
People out and about make cities secure (February 8, 2010) -- Young people who have experienced threats and violence feel more insecure than others in urban public spaces, especially when alone. ... > full story
Like escape artists, rotifers elude enemies by drying up and -- poof! -- they are gone with the wind (February 8, 2010) -- They haven't had sex in some 30 million years, but some very small invertebrates named bdelloid rotifers are still shocking biologists -- they should have gone extinct long ago. Researchers have discovered the secret to their evolutionary longevity: these rotifers are microscopic escape artists. When facing pathogens, they dry up and are promptly gone with the wind. ... > full story
Link between advanced maternal age and autism confirmed (February 8, 2010) -- Advanced maternal age is linked to a significantly elevated risk of having a child with autism, regardless of the father's age, according to an exhaustive study of all births in California during the 1990s. ... > full story
Test could predict which idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients will become severely ill (February 8, 2010) -- A simple blood test could predict which patients with the lung-scarring disease known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are soon to get far worse, an indicator that could one day influence their treatment, according to researchers. Their findings indicate that the body's immune cells attack healthy lung tissue, suggesting that IPF is in fact an immunologic disease. ... > full story
Month of birth determines who becomes a sports star (February 8, 2010) -- The month of your birth influences your chances of becoming a professional sportsperson, an Australian researcher has found. Scientists studied the seasonal patterns of population health and found the month you were born in could influence your future health and fitness. ... > full story
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