ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Sunday, June 12, 2011

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Sunday, June 12, 2011

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Circulating levels of a lung protein found to be 'strongly predictive' of cardiovascular disease (June 11, 2011) -- A blood protein known as surfactant protein-D (SP-D), which is mainly synthesized in the lungs, has been described as "a good predictor" of cardiovascular disease following a large study in North America. ... > full story

Hormone test helps predict success in IVF (June 11, 2011) -- In a new study, women with high levels of the hormone AMH produced more eggs for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, and pregnancies were more likely to occur than in women with low levels. The finding could aid counseling and give doctors a new tool to adjust treatment. ... > full story

Strength training for grandma and grandpa (June 11, 2011) -- People lose 30 percent of their muscle strength between the ages of 50 and 70 years. However, maintaining muscle strength in old age is enormously important in order to maintain mobility and to be able to lead an independent life and manage everyday tasks independently. Scientists conclude that progressive strength (resistance) training counteracts muscular atrophy in old age. ... > full story

Will psych majors make the big bucks? (June 11, 2011) -- A new crop of college graduates have just landed on the job market. Right now they're probably just hoping to get any job, if at all. However, for psychology majors, the salary outlook in both the short and long term is particularly poor, according to a new study. ... > full story

Molecular imaging for Alzheimer's disease may be available in hospitals within a year, studies suggest (June 11, 2011) -- Researchers the world over are advancing positron emission tomography as an effective method of early detection for Alzheimer's disease, a currently incurable and deadly neurological disorder. Three studies are providing new insights into the development of Alzheimer's disease while opening the door to future clinical screening and treatments. ... > full story

Key function of enzyme involved in RNA processing described (June 11, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a cellular mechanism that is critical in maintaining normal cell function. They examined the function of TRAMP, a protein complex involved in the processing of RNA or ribonucleic acid within the cell. They identified a key function for the protein Mtr4p in a process that initiates the degradation of select RNAs, a necessary step in preserving normal cell function. ... > full story

New animal study shows promise for development of Parkinson's disease drug (June 11, 2011) -- Few treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) restore function for extended periods. In a new study, an international group of researchers reports that platelet-derived growth factor-BB restored function in rodents and shows promise as a clinical candidate drug for treatment of PD. ... > full story

Signaling pathways point to vulnerability in breast cancer stem cells (June 11, 2011) -- Researchers have identified signals impinging on breast epithelial cells that can induce those cells to acquire and stably display migratory and self-renewing characteristics. These signals appear to be responsible for maintaining both normal mammary epithelial stem cells and the stem cells in breast carcinomas. Interrupting these and other extracellular signals strips the various types of stem cells of the migratory and self-renewal abilities used by cancer stem cells to seed new tumors. ... > full story

Gender differences in risk pathways for adolescent substance abuse and early adult alcoholism (June 11, 2011) -- According to a recent Finnish study, boys and girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may differ from each other in their vulnerability to substance use problems. Inattentiveness and hyperactivity may be more predictive of alcohol use disorders and maladaptive patterns of alcohol and illicit drug use among girls than boys. ... > full story

Simple test could hold key to early diagnosis of cancers (June 10, 2011) -- Cancers of the gut, stomach and pancreas could be detected much sooner with a simple urine test, research suggests. Researchers have identified key proteins in the urine of patients with advanced cancers. ... > full story

Biologists uncover regulatory mechanism for gene expression in the visual system (June 10, 2011) -- Biologists have uncovered a key regulatory mechanism used for gene expression in the visual system. Their findings offer new insights into the complexity behind the genetic make-up of biological systems. ... > full story

Two isolates from E. coli outbreak sequenced (June 10, 2011) -- An outbreak of Escherichia coli causing a severe illness called hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) began in Germany on May 2, 2011 and has killed more than 20 people and sickened more than 2,000. The organism causing the outbreak has been identified as a strain of E. coli O104:H4 that produces a Shiga toxin and causes an illness similar to infection with E. coli O157:H7. Two isolates from this outbreak have been sequenced. Both strains, TY-2482 and LB226692, have been annotated. ... > full story