ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Wednesday, May 18, 2011

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Wednesday, May 18, 2011

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Roots of memory impairment resulting from sleep deprivation identified (May 18, 2011) -- From high-school students to surgeons, anyone who has pulled an all-nighter knows there is a price to be paid the next day: trouble focusing, a fuzzy memory and other cognitive impairments. Now, researchers have found the part of the brain and the neurochemical basis for sleep deprivation's effects on memory. ... > full story

Most common form of inherited intellectual disability may be treatable, review suggests (May 18, 2011) -- Advancements over the last 10 years in understanding intellectual disability have led to the once-unimaginable possibility that the condition may be treatable, a review of more than 100 studies on the topic has concluded. ... > full story

Coffee may reduce risk of lethal prostate cancer in men (May 18, 2011) -- Men who regularly drink coffee appear to have a lower risk of developing a lethal form of prostate cancer, according to a new study. ... > full story

Vitamin A, beta carotene pregnancy supplements do not appear to reduce maternal, infant death risk (May 18, 2011) -- Although some evidence suggests that prevention of vitamin A deficiency among women in developing countries may improve maternal and infant survival, pregnant women in rural Bangladesh who received vitamin A or beta carotene supplementation in a randomized trial did not have a lower rate of all-cause maternal, fetal, or infant death, compared to women who received placebo, according to a new study. ... > full story

Smoking ban reduces emergency room admissions (May 18, 2011) -- Workplace smoking bans are gaining ground globally, and one study has shown that they may have significant health effects. The study, conducted by researchers in Dublin, found that emergency room admissions due to respiratory illness dropped significantly in Ireland after the implementation of a workplace smoking ban, compared to admissions that took place before the ban went into effect. ... > full story

Dynamics of crucial protein 'switch' revealed; Cell signaling networks tied to diabetes and cancer (May 18, 2011) -- Researchers offer new understanding of a protein critical to physiological processes involved in major diseases such as diabetes and cancer. The work could help scientists design drugs to battle these disorders. ... > full story

Prenatal use of newer antiepileptic drugs not associated with increased risk of major birth defects, study finds (May 18, 2011) -- Use of newer-generation antiepileptic drugs, which are also prescribed for bipolar mood disorders and migraine headaches, during the first trimester of pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of major birth defects in the first year of life among infants in Denmark, according to a new study. Older-generation antiepileptic drugs are associated with an increased risk of birth defects. ... > full story

Obstructive sleep apnea linked to cancer growth in mice (May 17, 2011) -- A new study links the intermittent interruption of breathing that occurs in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to enhanced proliferation of melanoma cancer cells and increased tumor growth in mice, according to researchers in Spain. The study also found tumor cells of OSA mouse models tended to contain more dead cells, indicating a more aggressive type of cancer. ... > full story

Simple face masks could significantly prevent spread of TB to non-infected patients (May 17, 2011) -- Face masks worn by patients infected with tuberculosis (TB) may be able to significantly cut transmission rates to non-infected patients, according to a new study. The study was conducted in a specialized airborne infections research facility in South Africa, which was designed to allow study of methods to control the spread of TB. Transmission rates were measured using healthy guinea pigs exposed to infected patients. ... > full story

Clubbers can smell a good nightspot (May 17, 2011) -- Since the smoking ban in restaurants, bars and nightclubs, customers are more aware of unpleasant smells, such as body odors and the smell of old beer, that used to be masked by cigarette smoke. Now science is looking at how the introduction of pleasant ambient scents that hide unwanted odors might enhance the nightlife experience. ... > full story

Ancient Egyptian princess now known to be first person in human history with diagnosed coronary artery disease (May 17, 2011) -- Researchers have used whole body computerized tomography (CT) scanning to visualize the coronary arteries of the Egyptian princess Ahmose-Meryet-Amon, who lived in Thebes (Luxor) between 1580 and 1550 BC. Results show her to be the first person in human history known to have diagnosed coronary artery disease. Surprisingly, she lived on a diet rich in vegetables, fruit and a limited amount of meat from domesticated (but not fattened) animals. Wheat and barley were grown along the banks of the Nile, making bread and beer the dietary staples of this period of ancient Egypt. Tobacco and trans-fats were unknown, and lifestyle was likely to have been active. ... > full story

A 'brain wave' test for schizophrenia risk? (May 17, 2011) -- Researchers have followed a group of people clinically at high risk for developing psychosis. They found that the individuals who went on to develop schizophrenia had smaller MMN than the subgroup who did not. This finding suggests that MMN might be useful in predicting the later development of schizophrenia. ... > full story

Vaccine protects from deadly Hendra virus (May 17, 2011) -- Scientists in Australia have shown that a new experimental vaccine helps to protect horses against the deadly Hendra virus. ... > full story

Improved survival and treatment for chronic blood disorders (May 17, 2011) -- New research shows that hydroxyurea, one type of cytotoxic treatment for chronic myeloproliferative blood disorders, does not increase the risk of developing acute leukemia, as had previously been suspected. Rather, it is the disease itself that mainly increases this risk. Another new study by the same group of researchers shows that mortality from chronic myeloid leukaemia has decreased sharply since the approval of the drug Imatinib as a standard treatment in 2001. ... > full story

Anxiety and depression linked to risk-taking in young drivers, Australian study finds (May 17, 2011) -- Young drivers who experience anxiety and depression are more likely to take risks on the road, according to a new study by researchers in Australia. The results of the study led by Bridie Scott-Parker, from QUT's Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety -- Queensland, have been published in the international journal Injury Prevention today. ... > full story

Gut bacteria linked to behavior: That anxiety may be in your gut, not in your head (May 17, 2011) -- Working with healthy adult mice, researchers showed that disrupting the normal bacterial content of the gut with antibiotics produced changes in behavior. Working with healthy adult mice, the researchers showed that disrupting the normal bacterial content of the gut with antibiotics produced changes in behavior; the mice became less cautious or anxious. When oral antibiotics were discontinued, bacteria in the gut returned to normal. ... > full story

Hormone improves long-term recovery from stroke, study suggests (May 17, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered an explanation of how stroke patients can achieve better recovery. A hormone that is associated with the growth hormone system has proved to benefit recovery during the later phases of rehabilitation after a stroke. ... > full story

T'ai chi helps prevent falls and improve mental health in the elderly, review finds (May 17, 2011) -- T'ai chi has particular health benefits for older people, including helping to prevent falls and improving mental wellbeing, reveals a new review. ... > full story

Deprivation and neglect found to age children's chromosomes (May 17, 2011) -- Studies in institutionalized Romanian children have found that the length of time spent in conditions of social deprivation and neglect correlates with lower IQ and behavioral problems. A new study shows that early adversity even affects children's chromosomes -- prematurely shortening the chromosome tips, known as telomeres, and hastening how quickly their cells "age." ... > full story

A gene that fights cancer, but causes it too (May 17, 2011) -- Scientists say a human gene implicated in the development of leukemia also acts to prevent cancer of the liver. ... > full story

New cell that attacks dengue virus identified (May 17, 2011) -- Mast cells, which help the body respond to bacteria and pathogens, also apparently sound the alarm around viruses delivered by mosquitoes, according to researchers. ... > full story

Memory problems often not present in middle-aged people with Alzheimer's disease (May 17, 2011) -- A new study suggests more than half of people who develop Alzheimer's disease before the age of 60 are initially misdiagnosed as having other kinds of brain disease when they do not have memory problems. ... > full story

Sporadic mutations identified in children with autism spectrum disorders (May 17, 2011) -- Scientists have identified several newly occurring mutations in children with autism spectrum disorder by sequencing their and their parents' protein coding sections of the genome. In four of the families, they identified new mutations that alter proteins involved in nerve or brain function and are potentially causative for autism. ... > full story

Researchers identify new dental cavity-causing species (May 17, 2011) -- A team of scientists from Boston has confirmed that the bacterium Streptococcus mutans is a primary culprit in early childhood caries (EEC) cavities on the first set of teeth, and has identified a new species of bacterium, Scardovia wiggsiae, which they suspect is also a major contributor. ... > full story

Happiness has a dark side (May 17, 2011) -- It seems like everyone wants to be happier and the pursuit of happiness is one of the foundations of American life. But even happiness can have a dark side, according to a new article. ... > full story

New prostate cancer test more specific, sensitive than PSA test (May 17, 2011) -- A new test for prostate cancer that measures levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) as well as six specific antibodies found in the blood of men with the disease was more sensitive and more specific than the conventional PSA test used today, according to a new study. ... > full story

Graduation contamination through handshaking? (May 17, 2011) -- Graduations are a celebration of achievement and growth, but could all the pomp and circumstance increase your risk of exposure to harmful bacteria? ... > full story

Binge drinkers have a decreased ability to learn new verbal information (May 17, 2011) -- Binge drinking by young adults is prevalent in the United States and increasing in Europe. The brain's hippocampus is particularly sensitive to alcohol's neurotoxicity. New findings show a clear link between binge drinking and a reduced ability to learn new verbal information. ... > full story

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