ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Tuesday, May 17, 2011

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Tuesday, May 17, 2011

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Smoke-related chemical discovered in the atmosphere could have health implications (May 17, 2011) -- Cigarette smoking, forest fires and woodburning can release a chemical that may be at least partly responsible for human health problems related to smoke exposure, according to a new study. "We found isocyanic acid in a number of places, from air in downtown Los Angeles and air downwind of a Colorado wildfire, to cigarette smoke," said the lead author. ... > full story

Digital imaging software to create a 'Google Earth' view of the bladder (May 17, 2011) -- A more automated approach to bladder exams could be cheaper, more comfortable and more convenient. The system would use an ultrathin laser endoscope, which is like a thin piece of cooked spaghetti, in combination with software that automatically creates a 3-D panorama of the bladder interior. ... > full story

Surgical procedure appears to enhance smiles in children with facial paralysis (May 17, 2011) -- Transferring a segment of muscle from the thigh appears to help restore the ability to smile in children with facial paralysis just as it does in adults, according to new study. ... > full story

Macrophage activation syndrome: Clues to calming a cytokine storm (May 17, 2011) -- By analyzing complex interactions of the immune system in an animal study, pediatric researchers have found potential tools for controlling a life-threatening condition called a cytokine storm that may strike children who have juvenile arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. The study is a first step toward developing new treatments for a condition called macrophage activation syndrome. ... > full story

No objective evidence of skin infestation apparent in patients with diagnosis of delusional infestation (May 17, 2011) -- Among patients with a diagnosis of delusional skin infestation, neither biopsies nor patient-provided specimens provided objective evidence of skin infestation, according to a new study. ... > full story

Zebrafish regrow fins using multiple cell types, not identical stem cells (May 17, 2011) -- What does it take to regenerate a limb? Biologists have long thought that organ regeneration in animals like zebrafish and salamanders involved stem cells that can generate any tissue in the body. But new research suggests that cells capable of regenerating a zebrafish fin do not revert to stem cells that can form any tissue. Instead, the individual cells retain their original identities and only give rise to more of their own kind. ... > full story

Protein could offer target to reduce lung damage from smoking-caused emphysema (May 17, 2011) -- An international research team has identified a lung protein that appears to play a key role in smoking-related emphysema and have crafted an antibody to block its activity. ... > full story

Child-size mannequin: Hands-on training spares real patients (May 17, 2011) -- Bioengineering students have modified a child-size training mannequin to give medical students hands-on pediatric experience so that real patients can be spared further stress and pain. ... > full story

Patients referred to dermatologists skin lesions evaluations also found to have other skin cancers (May 17, 2011) -- Among patients referred by non-dermatologists to dermatologists for evaluation of skin lesions suspected of being malignant, only apparently one-fifth were found to be cancerous, although dermatologists identified and biopsied other incidental lesions, approximately half of which were malignant, according to a new study. ... > full story

Childhood physical abuse linked to chronic fatigue syndrome, study suggests (May 17, 2011) -- Childhood physical abuse is associated with significantly elevated rates of functional somatic syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivities among women, according to new findings. ... > full story

How a person remembers a touch (May 16, 2011) -- Neuroscientists have now been able for the first time to document deliberate control of touch sensations in human working memory. ... > full story

Secrets of plague unlocked with stunning new imaging techniques (May 16, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a super-resolution microscopy technique that is answering long-held questions about exactly how and why a cell's defenses fail against some invaders, such as plague, while successfully fending off others like E.coli. The approach is revealing never-before-seen detail of the cell membrane, which could open doors to new diagnostic, prevention and treatment techniques. ... > full story

Researchers find new treatment for constipation (May 16, 2011) -- Constipation is definitely not a glamorous topic. In reality, it affects nearly 30 million Americans and costs more than billion annually to evaluate and treat. While not often life threatening, the pain, bloating, discomfort, and straining associated with constipation lead sufferers to focus on one thing -- relief. Researchers recently had success in the clinical trial of a new medication shown to provide relief from constipation. ... > full story

Personality affects how likely we are to take our medication, Swedish study finds (May 16, 2011) -- Results of a unique study from Sweden show that personality has an impact on how likely people are to take their medication. ... > full story

Stem cells reverse disease in a model of Parkinson's disease (May 16, 2011) -- Researchers have compared the ability of cells derived from different types of human stem cell to reverse disease in a rat model of Parkinson disease and identified a stem cell population that they believe could be clinically relevant. ... > full story

Inhaling hydrogen may help reduce lung damage in critically ill patients, animal study suggests (May 16, 2011) -- Inhaling small amounts of hydrogen in addition to concentrated oxygen may help stem the damage to lung tissue that can occur when critically ill patients are given oxygen for long periods of time, according to a new rat model study. The study also found hydrogen initiates activation of heme-oxygenase (HO-1), an enzyme that protects lung cells. ... > full story

Using war games to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (May 16, 2011) -- Soldiers may benefit from virtual reality applications for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A new study reviews how virtual reality applications are being designed and implemented across various points in the military deployment cycle, to prevent, identify and treat combat-related PTSD. ... > full story

Sections of retinas regenerated and visual function increased with stem cells from skin (May 16, 2011) -- Scientists have now regenerated large areas of damaged retinas and improved visual function using IPS cells derived from skin. The results of their study hold great promise for future treatments and cures for diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy and other retinal diseases that affect millions worldwide. ... > full story

Stopping HIV transmission with a molecular barrier? (May 16, 2011) -- Using a technique that silences genes promoting infection, researchers have developed a novel, topically-applied molecular microbicide capable of preventing HIV transmission. The microbicide is predicted to have long-lasting effects in mice, opening the door to developing an intravaginal microbicide that could protect women against HIV infection potentially for weeks at a time and bolster public health efforts to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS. ... > full story

Common anti-inflammatory coaxes liver cancer cells to commit suicide (May 16, 2011) -- The anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib, known by the brand name Celebrex, triggers liver cancer cell death by reacting with a protein in a way that makes those cells commit suicide, according to a new study. Researchers also found that the combination of celecoxib with each of two chemotherapy drugs killed more liver cancer cells in culture, making those combinations more effective than either drug on its own. ... > full story

Sleepiness in children linked to obesity, asthma (May 16, 2011) -- Obese, asthmatic, anxious or depressed children are more likely to experience excessive daytime sleepiness according to sleep researchers. ... > full story

Obesity linked to higher risk of prostate cancer progression (May 16, 2011) -- Even when treated with hormone therapy to suppress tumor growth, obese men face an elevated risk of their prostate cancer worsening, researchers have found. ... > full story

Plasticity of hormonal response permits rapid gene expression reprogramming: Gene expression reprogramming may allow cancer cell growth as well as normal differentiation (May 16, 2011) -- Gene expression is the process of converting the genetic information encoded in DNA into a final gene product such as a protein or any of several types of RNA. Scientists have long thought that the gene programs regulated by different physiological processes throughout the body are robustly pre-determined and relatively fixed for every specialized cell. But a new study reveals the unsuspected plasticity of some of these gene expression programs. ... > full story

Successful first test drive of 'sighted' wheelchair (May 16, 2011) -- Research on an electric wheelchair that can sense it's environment and transmit information to a person who is visually impaired, has just been tested. One of the researchers, himself visually impaired, made the first public test. ... > full story

Mind/body program increases pregnancy rates in IVF treatment, study finds (May 16, 2011) -- A new study shows that women who participate in a mind/body program for stress reduction while undergoing IVF treatment have a significantly higher pregnancy rate than those who do not (52 percent versus 20 percent). ... > full story

Tiny variation in one gene may have led to crucial changes in human brain (May 16, 2011) -- The human brain has yet to explain the origin of one its defining features -- the deep fissures and convolutions that increase its surface area and allow for rational and abstract thoughts. Scientists may have just discovered humanity's beneficiary -- a tiny variation within a single gene that determines the formation of brain convolutions. ... > full story

Researchers identify DNA region linked to depression (May 16, 2011) -- Researchers have independently identified DNA on chromosome 3 that appears to be related to depression. Major depression affects approximately 20 percent of people at some point during their lives, and family studies have long suggested that depression risk is influenced by genetics. The new studies identify a DNA region containing up to 90 genes. ... > full story

Next generation gamers: Computer games aid recovery from stroke (May 16, 2011) -- Computer games are not just for kids. New research shows that computer games can speed up and improve a patient's recovery from paralysis after a stroke. ... > full story

Persuasive speech: The way we, um, talk sways our listeners (May 16, 2011) -- Want to convince someone to do something? A new study has some intriguing insights drawn from how we speak. Researchers found that interviewers who engaged in frequent short pauses were more successful than those who were perfectly fluent. ... > full story

Alzheimer's risk gene disrupts brain's wiring 50 years before disease hits (May 16, 2011) -- Researchers report that a recently discovered Alzheimer's gene possessed by most people impairs the development of myelin, the protective covering around the neuron's axons, making it weaker and more vulnerable to the onset of Alzheimer's much later in life. ... > full story

New understanding of brain chemistry could prevent brain damage after injury (May 16, 2011) -- A protective molecule has been identified in the brain which, if used artificially, may prevent brain damage from the likes of stroke, head injury and Alzheimer's. ... > full story

New clues to understanding insulin sensitivity (May 16, 2011) -- Researchers have identified that the removal of cholesterol by a key enzyme called CEH can attenuate inflammation and subsequently affect the development of diabetes, paving the way for new target therapies that may one day prevent diabetes and help predict a patient's susceptibility to the disease. ... > full story

Practice, not loss of sight, improves sense of touch in the blind (May 16, 2011) -- New research may answer a controversial question: Do the blind have a better sense of touch because the brain compensates for vision loss or because of heavy reliance on their fingertips? The study suggests daily dependence on touch is the answer. ... > full story

'Master switch' gene for obesity and diabetes discovered (May 16, 2011) -- Scientists have found that a gene linked to type 2 diabetes and cholesterol levels is in fact a "master regulator" gene, which controls the behavior of other genes found within fat in the body. As fat plays a key role in susceptibility to metabolic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes, this study highlights the regulatory gene as a possible target for future treatments to fight these diseases. ... > full story

Gene expression changes in nasal cells may help identify lung cancer in earliest stages (May 16, 2011) -- A simple, minimally-invasive technique using cells from the interior of the nose could help clinicians detect lung cancer in its earliest -- and most treatable -- stages, according to a new study. ... > full story

Study reveals origins of a cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow (May 16, 2011) -- A new study sheds light on the origins of myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer that affects children and adults. The researchers discovered that novel mutations in an intracellular communication pathway called Notch led to the cancer, pointing to a potential new target for treating this disease. ... > full story

Getting along with co-workers may prolong life: But support from the boss has no effect on mortality (May 16, 2011) -- People who have a good peer support system at work may live longer than people who don't have such a support system, according to new research. ... > full story

New class of compounds discovered with great potential for research and drug development (May 16, 2011) -- Scientists from the Scripps Research Institute have identified a class of compounds that could be a boon to basic research and drug discovery. ... > full story

Synthetic mesh can improve outcome of prolapse surgery (May 16, 2011) -- A Nordic multicentre study shows that pelvic organ prolapse surgery using synthetic mesh can be more effective than traditional surgery. The advantages indicated by the study mainly concern restored genital anatomy and more efficient symptom relief, although there is an associated greater risk of complications. ... > full story

Palliative care patients benefit from unique music therapy project (May 16, 2011) -- A new study demonstrates the benefits of music therapy. The findings are based on a unique collaboration between university music therapy students, musicians from a professional symphony orchestra and a hospital palliative care ward. ... > full story

Oklahoma graduate student developing solutions for water problems in Ethiopia (May 16, 2011) -- A University of Oklahoma environmental science graduate student will travel to Ethiopia in June to test materials she has been investigating as possible solutions to fluorosis -- a widespread problem in the Rift Valley, where high levels of fluoride in the drinking water result in dental and skeletal disease. ... > full story

Propranolol associated with improvement in size and color of head and neck hemangiomas in children (May 16, 2011) -- The beta-blocker propranolol appears to be associated with reducing the size and color of hemangiomas of the head and neck in a pediatric population, according to a new study. ... > full story

Visits to asthma specialists delayed for African-American children, study finds (May 16, 2011) -- African-American children are more likely to report previous emergency room visits, hospitalizations and need for intensive care unit (ICU) management for asthma than Caucasian children on their first visit to an asthma specialist, according to a new study. The study also indicated that African-American children have poorer lung function at their initial visit to an asthma specialist than their Caucasian counterparts. ... > full story

Postponing care can result in serious consequences for asthma patients (May 16, 2011) -- Waiting to seek emergency medical care for asthma exacerbations can result in worse outcomes, including hospitalization, according to a study conducted by researchers from New York. Patients who delay regular medical care also were sicker when finally seen by a doctor than patients who sought care when asthma exacerbations first occurred. ... > full story

Study evaluates parents' reluctance to vaccinate asthmatic kids (May 16, 2011) -- Concern over vaccine safety is one of the primary factors preventing parents from having their asthmatic children vaccinated for influenza, or flu, according to Michigan researchers. Parents who do not vaccinate their children are also less likely to view flu as a"trigger" for their child's asthma, the researchers noted. ... > full story

Hypertension control in Canada has improved significantly, research finds (May 16, 2011) -- Treatment and awareness of hypertension in Canada have improved significantly in the last 25 years for community-dwelling adults, according to a new article. ... > full story

Clinicians' attention lacking in discussions of end-of-life care (May 16, 2011) -- Clinicians consistently fall short in discussing end-of-life care with patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), according to a study completed by researchers in Washington. The study focused on the communication skills of staff physicians, physician trainees and advanced practice nurses. ... > full story

Computer program aids patients in end-of-life planning (May 16, 2011) -- A new program developed by researchers may make it easier for patients with moderate/severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to make critical decisions regarding their care as their disease worsens. The computer-based decision aid (CDA) is designed to educate patients about planning for end-of-life decisions without diminishing hope, according to the researchers. ... > full story