ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Friday, July 1, 2011
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Novel genetic variation linked to increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest (July 1, 2011) -- A study by a global consortium of physician-scientists has identified a genetic variation that may predispose people to double the risk of having a sudden cardiac arrest, a disorder that gives little warning and is fatal in about 95 percent of cases. Although previous, smaller studies have identified some genes with a potential association with sudden cardiac arrest, this is the first study large enough to enable scientists to apply results to the general population. ... > full story
Massive genome studies identify genetics behind white blood cell counts (July 1, 2011) -- A trio of large-scale genome-wide association studies, or GWAS, have identified more than 15 gene variants responsible for the diversity of white blood cell counts among whites, African-Americans, and Japanese. Combined, the studies offer the first comprehensive analysis into why some people, and some populations, have more or fewer white blood cells than others. ... > full story
Combining physical activity with classroom lessons results in improved test scores (July 1, 2011) -- When schools cut physical education programs so students can spend more time in the classroom, they may be missing a golden opportunity to promote learning. ... > full story
Cancer Genome Atlas completes detailed ovarian cancer analysis (July 1, 2011) -- An analysis of genomic changes in ovarian cancer has provided the most comprehensive and integrated view of cancer genes for any cancer type to date. Serous adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent form of ovarian cancer, accounting for about 85 percent of all ovarian cancer deaths. Researchers completed whole-exome sequencing, which examines the protein-coding regions of the genome, on an unprecedented 316 tumors. They also completed other genomic characterizations on these tumors and another 173 specimens. ... > full story
Obese people can suffer from social anxiety disorder due to weight alone (July 1, 2011) -- A new study shows that obese individuals with social anxiety related only to their weight may experience anxiety as severe as individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD). The findings directly conflict with the criteria for SAD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition. ... > full story
New mechanism used by cells to reverse silenced genes (June 30, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered a new mechanism used by cells in the body to turn on silenced genes. This process is critical in preventing the development of cancer -- suggesting the possibility of new therapies that might target the specific changes underlying the disease. ... > full story
Novel analysis method organizes genomic cancer data (June 30, 2011) -- The technology that allows scientists to profile the entire genome of individual tumors offers new hope for discovering ways to select the best treatment for each patient's particular type of cancer. However, these profiles produce huge amounts of data, and the volume alone creates unique analytical problems. In a new study, researchers describe a new analytical approach based on a concept called multiplicity, that can organize large amounts of varied genetic data. ... > full story
Tranquillity formula could increase health benefits of visiting urban and country parks (June 30, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a toolkit for measuring tranquillity that could enable neglected or overlooked urban parks to flourish and become a haven for stressed city workers. ... > full story
Heart transplant patients at risk for serious skin cancers, study finds (June 30, 2011) -- A new study reveals that there is a significant risk of serious skin cancers, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, in heart transplant patients. ... > full story
Women win out in gastrointestinal surgery (June 30, 2011) -- In the first study to consider the impact of gender on patient outcomes in major gastrointestinal surgeries, researchers have found that women are more likely to survive after the procedure than men. The pattern is even more pronounced when comparing women before menopause with men of the same age. ... > full story
TV food advertising increases children's preference for unhealthy foods, study finds (June 30, 2011) -- Researchers have found that children who watch advertisements for unhealthy food on television are more likely to want to eat high-fat and high-sugar foods. ... > full story
Your brain on nicotine: Nicotine receptors affect social behavior (June 30, 2011) -- No longer assume that nicotine receptors are only important to smokers trying to quit. Research suggests that these receptors are important in social interaction and the ability to choose between competing motivations. Scientists show that prefrontal cortex nicotinic receptors are essential for social interaction in mice, with this area of the brain necessary for balanced social interactions. This knowledge could lead to treatments for ADHD, schizophrenia and depression. ... > full story
Variation in make-up of generic epilepsy drugs can lead to dosing problems, study suggests (June 30, 2011) -- Generic anti-epilepsy drugs, pharmaceutical products similar to brand-name versions, save consumers billions of dollars each year, but some are different enough from branded formulations that they may not be effective, particularly if patients switch between two generic drugs, a new study suggests. ... > full story
Why do we share stories, news and information with others? (June 30, 2011) -- People often share stories, news and information with the people around them. We forward online articles to our friends, share stories with our co-workers at the water cooler and pass along rumors to our neighbors. Such social transmission has been going on for thousands of years, and the advent of social technologies like texting, Facebook and other social media sites has only made it faster and easier to share content with others. ... > full story
Genetic alterations in pig tissue may allow for human transplantation (June 30, 2011) -- A sizzling genetic discovery may one day allow pig tissue to be transplanted successfully into humans. Scientists have taken a step forward toward filling the shortage of vital organs for human transplantation. Research has shown that altering or overexpressing human programmed death ligand-1 molecule in endothelial cells of pig arteries reduces conditions that cause rejection. This suggests humans could receive altered porcine organs with fewer complications. ... > full story
Resistant mice provide clues about successful immune response to retroviruses (June 30, 2011) -- A new study identifies a key virus-sensing mechanism that is necessary for a successful immune response against infection with a particularly deadly type of virus. ... > full story
Scientists identify order of mutations that lead to cancer (June 30, 2011) -- Scientists have begun to reveal the order of the genetic aberrations in individual cancers in a finding they say is key to early diagnosis and personalized medicine. ... > full story
Osteoarthritis incidence significantly higher among U.S. military personnel compared to general population, study finds (June 30, 2011) -- New research shows significantly higher osteoarthritis (OA) incidence rates in military populations than among comparable age groups in the general population. The magnitude of the difference in OA rates between military service members and the general population also increased with advancing age category. ... > full story
Lung cancer: Study shows 20 percent reduction in mortality with low-dose CT vs chest X-ray (June 30, 2011) -- Scientists have found a 20 percent reduction in deaths from lung cancer among current or former heavy smokers who were screened with low-dose helical computed tomography (CT) versus those screened by chest X-ray. This finding provides a more extensive analysis of the data originally reported in November 2010 while providing additional data to the public and research community without barriers to access. ... > full story
Getting enough 'sunshine vitamin' may not just be about catching rays, new blood test reveals (June 30, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a new highly-accurate blood test which can detect how much a patient’s diet could be responsible for a lack of the so-called ‘sunshine vitamin’. Vitamin D deficiencies can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of cancer and osteoporosis. For the first time, the different forms of vitamin D the body absorbs from diet and sunlight, known as vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 respectively, can be individually distinguished from closely related compounds. ... > full story
Drink-fueled memory blackouts among students predict future injury risk (June 30, 2011) -- The higher the number of drink-fueled memory blackouts a student experiences, the greater is his/her risk of sustaining a future injury while under the influence, reveals new nresearch. ... > full story
New therapy for childhood neuroblastoma proves feasible and safe, study finds (June 30, 2011) -- A new treatment option may soon be available for children with neuroblastoma, according to new research. ... > full story
Internet program reduces infant and toddler sleep problems, helps moms sleep better too (June 30, 2011) -- A new study demonstrates that an Internet-based intervention was effective at reducing infant and toddler sleep disturbances, as well as providing positive, indirect benefits for maternal sleep, mood and confidence. The study suggests that the Internet can give parents widespread access to individualized, behaviorally based advice for sleep problems in young children. ... > full story
Text message support for smokers doubles quit rates (June 30, 2011) -- Cell phones could hold the key to people giving up smoking after a program involving sending motivational and supportive text messages to smokers doubled quit rates at six months. ... > full story
Possible way to make bladder cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy (June 30, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a way of sensitizing muscle-invasive bladder cancer cells so that they succumb to the toxic effects of chemotherapy. ... > full story
Blocking molecular target could make more cancers treatable with PARP inhibitors (June 30, 2011) -- Researchers have demonstrated a molecular strategy they say could make a much larger variety of tumors treatable with PARP inhibitors, a promising new class of cancer drugs. They report that the BRCA1 repair protein is dependent on the protein CDK1. When the scientists blocked CDK1 in cancer cell lines and in a mouse model of lung cancer, BRCA1 function was disrupted, making them susceptible to being killed by a PARP inhibitor. ... > full story
Outpatient electronic prescribing systems don't cut out common mistakes, study suggests (June 30, 2011) -- Outpatient electronic prescribing systems don't cut out the common mistakes made in manual systems, new research suggests. ... > full story
Flexible schedule is key to keeping working moms on the job (June 30, 2011) -- Women who return to work after giving birth are more likely to stay on the job if they have greater control over their work schedules. Researchers also found that job security and the ability to make use of a variety of their job skills leads to greater retention of working moms, while the impact of work-related stress on their physical and mental health causes greater turnover. ... > full story
Up to 220,000 California children excluded from health care reform due to immigrant status, experts say (June 30, 2011) -- Restrictions on eligibility for health care reform programs will result in the potential exclusion of up to 220,000 children from affordable health care coverage in California, according to a new policy brief. The number represents up to 20 percent of all uninsured children in California. ... > full story
Cancer Genome Atlas completes detailed ovarian cancer analysis (June 30, 2011) -- As part of the Cancer Genome Atlas project, North Carolina researchers have contributed to the most comprehensive an integrated view of cancer genes for any cancer type produced to date. ... > full story
Targeted contrast agent reveals colon cancer (June 30, 2011) -- Colon cancer could become easier to detect, thanks to a newly developed medical contrast agent and advanced optics that illuminate dangerous, invisible polyps. ... > full story
Components of speech recognition pathway in humans identified (June 29, 2011) -- Neuroscientists have defined, for the first time, three different processing stages that a human brain needs to identify sounds such as speech -- and discovered that they are the same as ones identified in non-human primates. ... > full story
Model of a migraine indicates increased neuronal excitability as a possible cause (June 29, 2011) -- Familial hemiplegic migraine is a rare and severe subtype of migraine with aura, an unusual sensory experience preceding the migraine attack. Researchers in Italy have developed a mouse model of familial hemiplegic migraine type 2 and used it to investigate the migraine's cause. ... > full story
Multiple sclerosis-like disease discovered in monkeys (June 29, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a naturally occurring disease in monkeys that is very much like multiple sclerosis in humans -- a discovery that could have a major impact on efforts to understand the cause of multiple sclerosis. ... > full story
SIV-resistant monkeys close the gates to viral infection (June 29, 2011) -- Sooty mangabeys, a type of African monkey, can survive infection by SIV, a relative of HIV, and not succumb to AIDS. Researchers have now identified a way some of sooty mangabeys' immune cells resist infection: they close the gates that SIV and HIV use to get into the cell. The findings may lead to strategies to help HIV-infected individuals cope better with infection. ... > full story
Many Americans approve of stem cell research for curing serious diseases (June 29, 2011) -- While research using human embryonic stem cells has roused political controversy for almost two decades, little has been done to scientifically assess American attitudes on the subject. New research provides decision-makers with a much clearer picture of how their constituents truly feel about the subject. ... > full story
Low body fat may not lower risk for heart disease and diabetes, genetic study shows (June 29, 2011) -- Having a lower percentage of body fat may not always lower your risk for heart disease and diabetes, according to a new study. ... > full story
Mechanism by which chronic stress causes brain disease identified (June 29, 2011) -- Chronic stress has long been linked with neurodegeneration. Scientists at now think they may know why. ... > full story
Lack of empathy following traumatic brain injury associated with reduced responsiveness to anger (June 29, 2011) -- Egocentric, self-centred, and insensitive to the needs of others: these social problems often arise in people with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and have been attributed in part to a loss of emotional empathy, the capacity to recognise and understand the emotions of other people. A new study has recently revealed evidence of a relationship between physiological responses to anger and a reduction of emotional empathy post-injury. ... > full story
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