ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Monday, June 13, 2011
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New genetic technique converts skin cells into brain cells (June 13, 2011) -- A research breakthrough has proven that it is possible to reprogram mature cells from human skin directly into brain cells, without passing through the stem cell stage. The unexpectedly simple technique involves activating three genes in the skin cells; genes which are already known to be active in the formation of brain cells at the fetal stage. ... > full story
Immune cells link pregnancy and tumor spread (June 13, 2011) -- Individuals with cancer often do not die as a result of their initial tumor but as a result of tumors at distant sites that are derived from the initial tumor. Pregnancy is a condition that seems to be permissive for tumor dissemination. New research in mice has now uncovered a possible reason for this. ... > full story
What happens in the brain as it loses consciousness: 3-D movie constructed (June 13, 2011) -- For the first time, researchers have been able to watch what happens to the brain as it loses consciousness. Using sophisticated imaging equipment, they have constructed a 3-D movie of the brain as it changes while an anesthetic drug takes effect. ... > full story
Chronic marijuana smoking affects brain chemistry, molecular imaging shows (June 13, 2011) -- Definitive proof of an adverse effect of chronic marijuana use could lead to potential drug treatments and aid other research involved in cannabinoid receptors, a neurotransmission system receiving a lot of attention. ... > full story
New method for measuring Parkinson's disease prevalence reveals sharp increase in Israel (June 13, 2011) -- In a new study, Israeli researchers report that by tracking pharmacy purchases of anti-Parkinson drugs they could estimate the number of Parkinson's disease (PD) cases in a large population. The study identified a sharp rise in PD prevalence from 170/100,000 in 2000 to 256/100,000 in 2007 in Israel, which warrants further investigation. ... > full story
Glioblastoma in the 21st century: Wealthier patients living longer than poorer patients (June 13, 2011) -- Survival rates of wealthier patients and those younger than 70 with glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor, have improved since 2000, whereas rates for those living in poorer areas and older than 70 have remained stagnant, according to new research. ... > full story
Cancer-seeking 'smart bombs' target kidney cancer cells (June 12, 2011) -- Researchers are halting kidney cancer with a novel form of radioimmunotherapy that zeroes in on antigens associated with renal cell carcinoma. Patients with progressive kidney cancer receiving up to three doses of the therapy show dramatic slowing of cancer growth and stabilization of their disease. ... > full story
Non-alcoholic wheat beer boosts athletes' health, sport doctors say (June 12, 2011) -- Amateur athletes have long suspected what sports medicine researchers in Germany have now made official: evidence, gathered during the world's largest study of marathons, that consumption of non-alcoholic weissbier, or wheat beer, has a positive effect on athletes' health. ... > full story
Groundbreaking male infertility test could 'bring hope to millions' (June 12, 2011) -- A groundbreaking new test for male infertility, which will save time, money and heartache for couples around the world, has been developed. The medical breakthrough, known as the SpermComet, has resulted from more than a decade's research. ... > full story
Citrate key in bone's nanostructure (June 12, 2011) -- Scientists have identified the composition that gives bone its outstanding properties and the important role citrate plays, work that may help science better understand and treat or prevent bone diseases such as osteoporosis. ... > full story
Childhood trauma linked to higher rates of mental health problems (June 12, 2011) -- New research has shown that children's risk for learning and behavior problems and obesity rises in correlation to their level of trauma exposure, says a psychiatrist. ... > full story
Eight substances added to U.S. Report on Carcinogens, including formaldehyde, may increase cancer risk (June 12, 2011) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services had added eight substances to its Report on Carcinogens, a science-based document that identifies chemicals and biological agents that may put people at increased risk for cancer. The industrial chemical formaldehyde and a botanical known as aristolochic acids are listed as known human carcinogens. Six other substances -- captafol, cobalt-tungsten carbide (in powder or hard metal form), certain inhalable glass wool fibers, o-nitrotoluene, riddelliine, and styrene -- are added as substances that are reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens. ... > full story
Researchers link cell division and oxygen levels; Findings also solve long-standing paradox (June 12, 2011) -- Cells grow abundant when oxygen is available, and generally stop when it is scarce. Although this seems straightforward, no direct link ever has been established between the cellular machinery that senses oxygen and that which controls cell division. Now, researchers report that the MCM proteins, which promote cell division, also directly control the oxygen-sensing HIF-1 protein. ... > full story
Chasing EHEC via computer: Scientists in Germany provide free access to enteric pathogen's genetic regulation data (June 12, 2011) -- Just a few genes make enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) extremely dangerous to humans. If it were not for these genes, EHEC would hardly differ from harmless enteric bacteria. Bioinformatics scientists from Germany want to exploit this similarity to find starting points for effective drugs against the EHEC pathogen. In a very short time, the scientists have constructed EhecRegNet, a database and analysis platform that incorporates all known interactions between enteric E. coli genes. Using integrated simulations, genetic switches for the dangerous EHEC genes can be identified much faster and used medically. The virtual laboratory will thus help biomedical scientists and pharmacists all over the world to develop new drugs. ... > full story
An egalitarian Internet? Not so, study finds (June 12, 2011) -- The Internet is often thought of as a forum that enables egalitarian communication among people from diverse backgrounds and political persuasions, but a new study reveals that online discussion groups display the same hierarchical structure as other large social groups. ... > full story
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
Internal bleeding higher with popular heart device than earlier model, studies find (June 11, 2011) -- The incidence of internal bleeding was higher in the HeartMate II left ventricular assist device than the earlier HeartMate I XVE, according to two recent studies. Although there were more instances of intracranial and gastrointestinal bleeding in the newer model, there was no increase in mortality. ... > 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
Potential new way to fight sepsis (June 10, 2011) -- By digging a little deeper, researchers may have found a potential target for reversing the deadly blood infection sepsis. ... > full story
New approaches open up in spinal muscular atrophy: Failure in nerve-fiber navigation corrected in zebrafish model (June 10, 2011) -- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of death in children under 2, with no treatment other than supportive care. In a new study, researchers show how loss or mutation of the SMA gene causes progressive muscle degeneration and weakness, and suggest a promising approach to treating the condition, sometimes referred to as a "Lou Gehrig's disease of babies." ... > full story
B vitamins in mother's diet reduce colorectal cancer risk in offspring, animal study suggests (June 10, 2011) -- Mice born to mothers who are fed a diet supplemented with B vitamins are less likely to develop intestinal tumors. Scientists associated the tumor suppression seen in the offspring of supplemented mothers with a protection against disruptions to the "Wnt" signaling pathway, a network of genes commonly altered in colorectal cancer. ... > full story
Mortality from all causes higher among hepatitis C-infected, analysis finds (June 10, 2011) -- Although liver-related mortality among those infected with hepatitis C is well documented, little is known about deaths in these patients that are not related to liver problems. A new study sought to determine mortality from all causes, including liver- and non-liver-related deaths among hepatitis C patients in the general U.S. population. The analysis found mortality from all causes to be higher in these patients. ... > full story
Brain imaging study of preschoolers with ADHD detects brain differences linked to symptoms (June 10, 2011) -- Researchers found differences in the brains of preschool children with symptoms of ADHD. Results showed the region of the brain important for cognitive and motor control was smaller in these children than in typically developing children. Novel for its use of neuroimaging in very young, preschool age children with ADHD symptoms, this examination of brain differences may offer insights into early interventions. ... > full story
Mutations in essential genes often cause rare diseases (June 10, 2011) -- Mutations in genes essential to survival are behind so-called orphan diseases, explaining in part why these diseases are rare and often deadly, according to a new study. ... > full story
New imaging technology promising for diagnosing cardiovascular disease, diabetes (June 10, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a new type of imaging technology to diagnose cardiovascular disease and other disorders by measuring ultrasound signals from molecules exposed to a fast-pulsing laser. ... > full story
Alternative approach to treating diabetes tested (June 10, 2011) -- In a mouse study, scientists have demonstrated the feasibility of a promising new strategy for treating human type 2 diabetes, which affects more than 200 million people worldwide. ... > full story
No gender difference in risk-taking behavior, study suggests (June 10, 2011) -- New research shows that young Swedish women are more prone than men to perceive situations as risky. However, there are no gender differences in actual risk-taking behavior. ... > full story
How cells' sensing hairs are made (June 10, 2011) -- New research provides insights into how sensory hairs, or cilia, on the surface of cells are assembled. ... > full story
Membrane protein mystery solved: May lead to better treatments for people with learning deficits (June 10, 2011) -- A research team has solved a 25-year mystery that may lead to better treatments for people with learning deficits and mental retardation. Synaptophysin is the first protein and most abundant ever found on the membranes surrounding the tiny sacs that carry chemical messengers to synapses, the gaps where communication between nerve cells occurs. But even though the loss of synaptophysin has recently been linked to learning deficits and mental retardation, scientists have been unable for more than a quarter-century to explain what it actually does. Now researchers have shown that synaptophysin controls the replacement of the constantly needed sacs, also known as vesicles. ... > full story
Using cell phones while driving? Distracted driving data and laws to prevent it don't match up (June 10, 2011) -- More and more states are passing laws to crack down on the use of mobile devices while driving. But a new study finds a widening gap between the evidence on distracted driving and the laws being passed to address the problem. ... > full story
Discovery may pave way to quitting smoking without gaining weight (June 10, 2011) -- Smokers tend to die young, but they tend to die thinner than non-smokers. A team of scientists has discovered exactly how nicotine suppresses appetite -- findings that suggest that it might be possible to develop a drug that would help smokers, and non-smokers, stay thin. ... > full story
Fragile X protein acts as toggle switch in brain cells (June 10, 2011) -- New research shows how the protein missing in fragile X syndrome -- the most common inherited form of intellectual disability -- acts as a molecular toggle switch in brain cells. ... > full story
Deaths and major morbidity from asbestos-related diseases in Asia likely to surge in next 20 years, experts warn (June 10, 2011) -- An alarming new article issues a serious warning of massive rises in deaths from asbestos-related lung diseases in Asia. Asian countries accounted for 64% of the global consumption of asbestos in the period of 2001-2007, a striking increase from 14% between 1920 and 1970. This is a result of unregulated asbestos import and use in many Asian countries. ... > full story
Banning U.S. federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research would derail related work, experts argue (June 10, 2011) -- Banning U.S. federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research would have "disastrous consequences" on the study of a promising and increasingly popular new stem cell type that is not derived from human embryos, experts argue in a new article. ... > full story
Large-scale early education linked to higher living standards and crime prevention 25 years later (June 10, 2011) -- High-quality early education has a strong, positive impact well into adulthood, according to new research. The study is the longest follow-up ever of an established large-scale early childhood program. ... > full story
B-cell lymphoma: New research provides breakthrough in understanding common cancer (June 10, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered valuable insight into how people develop B-cell lymphoma, one of the most common cancers. The team found that a mechanism different to that previously thought to be the cause of lymphoma may be responsible for the development of the disease. ... > full story
The cellular root of colorectal cancers? (June 10, 2011) -- Researchers have found a marker called ABCB5 that both tags a small proportion of cells within colorectal cancers and fuels resistance in those cells to standard treatments. The results indicate that eliminating ABCB5-expressing cells is crucial for successful colorectal cancer treatment, while adding to the growing body of evidence for a theory of cancer growth called the cancer stem cell hypothesis. ... > full story
'One-stop' clinic ups mental health, social work visits for veterans (June 10, 2011) -- Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who visited a U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) integrated care clinic were much more likely to undergo initial mental health and social work evaluations than veterans who visited a standard VA primary care clinic, according to a new study. ... > full story
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