ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Thursday, July 7, 2011

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Thursday, July 7, 2011

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Beauty is in the medial orbito-frontal cortex of the beholder (July 7, 2011) -- A region at the front of the brain 'lights up' when we experience beauty in a piece of art or a musical excerpt, according to new research. The study goes some way to supporting the views of David Hume and others that beauty lies in the beholder rather than in the object. ... > full story

Cheap, common drug could dramatically reduce malaria transmission in Africa (July 7, 2011) -- A cheap, common heartworm medication that is already being used to fight other parasites in Africa could also dramatically interrupt transmission of malaria, potentially providing an inexpensive tool to fight a disease that kills almost 800,000 people each year, according to a new study. ... > full story

Combination therapy as good as old regimen to prevent full-blown TB in people with/without HIV (July 7, 2011) -- Scientists have further compelling evidence that new, simpler and shorter treatments with antibiotic drugs could dramatically help prevent tens of millions of people worldwide already infected with the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis, and especially those co-infected with HIV, from developing full-blown TB. ... > full story

Healthy lifestyle associated with low risk of sudden cardiac death in women (July 7, 2011) -- Adhering to a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, exercising regularly, having a low body weight and eating a healthy diet, appears to lower the risk of sudden cardiac death in women, according to a new study. ... > full story

Diabetes drug side effects traced to fat action (July 7, 2011) -- For better or worse, a popular class of anti-diabetic drugs does more than lower blood sugar. One known as rosiglitazone (trade name Avandia) has been in the spotlight for its possible link to increased cardiovascular events, but it also seems to come with unexplained vascular benefits and an unwelcome tendency for weight gain. Now, two separate studies explore those other effects of the drugs known collectively as thiazolidinediones (TZDs), both of which stem from their activity in fat. ... > full story

Blood pressure drug shows some muscle: Researchers discover losartan protects against loss of old or damaged muscle (July 7, 2011) -- Using geriatric mice, a research team has shown that losartan, a commonly used blood pressure drug, not only improves regeneration of injured muscle but also protects against its wasting away from inactivity. ... > full story

Branch offices: New family of gold-based nanoparticles could serve as biomedical 'testbed' (July 7, 2011) -- Researchers have demonstrated a sort of gold nanoparticle "testbed" to explore how the tiny particles behave in biological systems. ... > full story

Post-traumatic stress disorder common following significant orthopedic trauma (July 7, 2011) -- Although most commonly associated with military combat, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur in civilians, too -- and with consequences that are just as serious, according to a new review article. PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder that occurs after a person experiences a traumatic event involving physical injury, and occurs in 20 to 51 percent of patients with an orthopedic injury. ... > full story

Rhesus monkeys appear to have a form of self-awareness not previously attributed to them, research suggests (July 6, 2011) -- In the first study of its kind in an animal species that has not passed a critical test of self-recognition, a cognitive psychologist has demonstrated that rhesus monkeys appear to have a sense of self-agency -- the ability to understand that they are the cause of certain actions -- and possess a form of self-awareness previously not attributed to them. ... > full story

Celecoxib may prevent lung cancer in former smokers (July 6, 2011) -- Celecoxib may emerge as a potent chemopreventive agent for lung cancer, according to a recent study. Researchers tested celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, among patients who were former smokers and found a significant benefit in bronchial health as measured by the Ki-67 labeling index, a marker of cellular proliferation or growth, as well as a number of other biomarkers. The findings follow a previous report that showed a similar effect on Ki-67 among former smokers and current smokers. ... > full story

Researchers link genetic marker to rectal cancer treatment (July 6, 2011) -- A team of researchers has identified a genetic marker that may predict which patients with rectal cancer can be cured by certain chemotherapies when combined with surgery. The discovery brings doctors closer to customizing cancer treatment to individual patients. ... > full story

Thinking globally to improve mental health (July 6, 2011) -- The Grand Challenges in Global Mental Health Initiative, led by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases, has identified the top 40 barriers to better mental health around the world. This initiative seeks to build a community of funders dedicated to supporting research that will significantly improve the lives of people living with mental, neurological, and substance use disorders within the next 10 years. ... > full story

Those aching joints could be in your genes (July 6, 2011) -- A study of 2,500 identical and fraternal twins reveals that genetic factors affect both spine degeneration and lower back pain. The discovery could revolutionize both the study and the treatment of the debilitating complaint. ... > full story

Surprising culprits behind cell death from fat and sugar overload (July 6, 2011) -- Excess nutrients, such as fat and sugar, don't just pack on the pounds but can push some cells in the body over the brink. Unable to tolerate this "toxic" environment, these cells commit suicide. Now, scientists have discovered three unexpected players that help a cell overloaded with fat initiate its own demise. ... > full story

Vitamin D can help elderly women survive, review suggests (July 6, 2011) -- Giving vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) to predominantly elderly women, mainly in institutional care, seems to increase survival. These women are likely to be vitamin D deficient with a significant risk of falls and fractures, according to a systematic review. ... > full story

Distract yourself or think it over? Two ways to deal with negative emotions (July 6, 2011) -- A big part of coping with life is having a flexible reaction to the ups and downs. Now, a new study finds that people choose to respond differently depending on how intense an emotion is. ... > full story

Higher daily dose of aspirin could play key role in preventing heart attacks for those with diabetes (July 6, 2011) -- A new study has shed light on the use of aspirin as a preventative measure for cardiovascular disease and reoccurrence in patients with diabetes. The study collected data from clinical trials that looked at whether taking aspirin as a course of treatment would prevent a first or recurrent heart attack or stroke. ... > full story

Mercury vapor released from broken compact fluorescent light bulbs can exceed safe exposure levels for humans, study finds (July 6, 2011) -- Once broken, a compact fluorescent light bulb continuously releases mercury vapor into the air for weeks to months, and the total amount can exceed safe human exposure levels in a poorly ventilated room, according to a new study. ... > full story

A mother's salt intake could be key to prenatal kidney development (July 6, 2011) -- New animal study has drawn an association between pregnant mothers' sodium intake and their newborn's kidney development. ... > full story

You are what you tweet: Tracking public health trends with Twitter (July 6, 2011) -- Computer scientists have sifted through two billion 'tweets' for information on where people are sick, what ails them, and what they're doing about it. ... > full story

Socioeconomic status as child dictates response to stress as adult (July 6, 2011) -- When faced with threat, people who grew up poor are more likely to make risky financial choices in search of a quick windfall, according to new research. ... > full story

Eggs' antioxidant properties may help prevent heart disease and cancer, study suggests (July 6, 2011) -- One of nature's most perfect foods may be even better for us than previously thought. While eggs are well known to be an excellent source of proteins, lipids, vitamins and minerals, researchers recently discovered they also contain antioxidant properties, which helps in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. ... > full story

Unique gel capsule structure enables co-delivery of different types of drugs (July 6, 2011) -- Chemists have designed a multiple-compartment gel capsule that can simultaneously deliver hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. The microcapsules could be used for the treatment of diseases like cancer, which is often treated using combination chemotherapy. ... > full story

What causes brain cancer? Understanding glioblastoma at the genetic, molecular level (July 6, 2011) -- Glioblastoma is the most common and most lethal form of brain tumor in people. New research offers a novel way to determine what biological functions go awry when the tumor first begins to form. Understanding the problems at the molecular level might one day reveal the underlying mechanism of carcinogenesis in glioblastoma and ultimately lead to treatments or even preventative measures. ... > full story

Cod stick to their own shipwreck (July 6, 2011) -- Adult cod have, one would think, the entire ocean at their disposal, and yet apparently each individual cod still chooses 'their own' local shipwreck, which they swim back to faithfully day after day. This is just one of the fascinating results from research using acoustic tags which has yielded new insights into what cod get up to below the surface of the sea. ... > full story

Bigger than football: Study shows sports can help communities recover from disaster (July 6, 2011) -- A new study shows that organized sports can be a powerful tool for helping to rebuild communities in the wake of disasters. The research focused specifically on the role of professional football in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. ... > full story

Researchers flip the switch between development and aging in C. elegans (July 6, 2011) -- When researchers dialed back activity of a specific mRNA translation factor in adult nematode worms they saw an unexpected genome-wide response that effectively increased activity in specific stress response genes that could help explain why the worms lived 40 percent longer under this condition. The study highlights the importance of mRNA translation in the aging process. ... > full story

New technology makes textiles permanently germ-free (July 6, 2011) -- Researchers have invented a new technology that can inexpensively render medical linens and clothing, face masks, paper towels -- and yes, even diapers, intimate apparel and athletic wear, including smelly socks -- permanently germ-free. ... > full story

Metabolic shift may offer early cancer clue (July 6, 2011) -- Cancer cells are well known for their altered metabolisms, which may help them generate the energy they need for rapid growth. Using an emerging imaging technology, researchers have discovered that those metabolic shifts actually develop even before detectable tumors form. By the same token, the studies in mice with liver cancer show that the altered tumor metabolism shifts back before established tumors shrink. ... > full story

How the body learns to make accurate movements: In motor learning, it's actions -- not intentions -- that count (July 6, 2011) -- Albert Einstein defined insanity as "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Practicing the same task repetitively, though, tends to be the default procedure when trying to learn a new motor skill. A new study suggests that simple task repetition may not be the most efficient way for the brain to learn a new move. ... > full story

High folate intake may reduce risk of colorectal cancer (July 6, 2011) -- Intake of high levels of folate may reduce colorectal cancer risk, according to a new study. Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that occurs naturally in food. ... > full story

New salmonella-based 'clean vaccines' aid the fight against infectious disease (July 6, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a technique to make recombinant attenuated salmonella vaccines safer and more effective. The group demonstrated that a modified strain of salmonella showed a five-fold reduction in virulence in mice, while preserving strong immunogenic properties. ... > full story

Botulinum toxin does not cure common forms of neck pain (July 6, 2011) -- There is no evidence that Botulinum toxin injections reduce chronic neck pain or associated headaches, says a group of scientists who reviewed nine trials involving a total of 503 participants. ... > full story

Air pollution linked to learning and memory problems, depression (July 6, 2011) -- Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to physical changes in the brain, as well as learning and memory problems and even depression, new research in mice suggests. While other studies have shown the damaging effects of polluted air on the heart and lungs, this is one of the first long-term studies to show the negative impact on the brain. ... > full story

Functioning small intestine created in laboratory experiments (July 6, 2011) -- Researchers have successfully created a tissue-engineered small intestine in mice that replicates the intestinal structures of natural intestine -- a necessary first step toward someday applying this regenerative medicine technique to humans. ... > full story

'Gifted' natural vitamin E tocotrienol protects brain against stroke in three ways (July 6, 2011) -- A natural form of vitamin E called alpha-tocotrienol can trigger production of a protein in the brain that clears toxins from nerve cells, preventing those cells from dying after a stroke, new research shows. This process is one of three mechanisms identified so far that this form of vitamin E uses to protect brain cells after a stroke, meaning that this natural substance might be more potent than drugs targeting single mechanisms for preventing stroke damage. ... > full story

Gold nanoparticles bring scientists closer to a treatment for cancer (July 6, 2011) -- Scientists have developed smart nanomaterials, which can disrupt the blood supply to cancerous tumors. They have shown that a small dose of gold nanoparticles can activate or inhibit genes that are involved in angiogenesis -- a complex process responsible for the supply of oxygen and nutrients to most types of cancer. ... > full story

Test for chromosome abnormalities sheds light on genetic origins of faulty eggs (July 6, 2011) -- Researchers are developing a new way to test a woman's egg for chromosome abnormalities that avoids the need to manipulate and biopsy the egg itself. The research may also shed light on the crucial role played by certain genes in the development of chromosome abnormalities that are a major cause of miscarriages and conditions such as Down's syndrome. ... > full story

Rose-colored beer goggles: Some drinkers believe social benefits of heavy drinking outweigh harms (July 6, 2011) -- Psychologists have shown that some people continue to drink heavily because of perceived positive effects, despite experiencing negative effects such as hangovers, fights and regrettable sexual situations. ... > full story

Twin study shows lifestyle, diet can significantly influence course of macular degeneration (July 6, 2011) -- Eating a diet high in vitamin D, as well as the nutrients betaine and methionine, might help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, according to new research. A study of identical twins from the US World War II Twin Registry also found that the more a person smoked, the higher their risk of developing macular degeneration. ... > full story

Bone loss prevention experiment on the last space shuttle flight (July 6, 2011) -- An experiment aboard Atlantis -- the last space shuttle launch of the NASA program -- is aimed at revealing strategies to protect future astronauts from bone loss during extended exposure to micro-gravity. ... > full story

Dietary leucine may fight pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome: Study shows improvements in animals with amino acid in diet (July 6, 2011) -- A new study suggests that adding the amino acid leucine to their diets may help those with pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome. ... > full story

New method used to detect 20 drugs in cow, goat and human milk (July 6, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a method that makes it possible to simultaneously detect 20 pharmaceutical products in cow, goat and human milk. The samples of the three types of milk studied showed that they all contain anti-inflammatories, although the largest number of drugs was found in whole cows' milk. ... > full story

Voting in elections is stressful -- emotionally and physiologically (July 6, 2011) -- A new study has found that the level of cortisol -- the "stress hormone" -- in individuals immediately prior to casting a vote was significantly higher than in the same individuals in similar non-voting conditions. Researchers say this is a first step in understanding the link between biological stress and voting. ... > full story

John Theurer Cancer Center BMT researchers highlight the importance of social support (July 6, 2011) -- Researchers have published a study delineating the connection of social support to distress after stem cell transplants. ... > full story

Final countdown: Atlantis to carry next-generation vaccine candidate on last space voyage (July 6, 2011) -- The ability of spaceflight to enhance the efficacy of a recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccine, or RASV, will be the focus of experiments conducted by Cheryl Nickerson and Roy Curtiss, of the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University. The payload will be carried aboard the space shuttle Atlantis on its final mission to the International Space Station. ... > full story

Worldwide study identifies top global challenges in mental health (July 6, 2011) -- A Toronto-based researcher is at the helm of a massive, worldwide study that identifies the top global challenges in mental health. ... > full story

Experiment aboard shuttle Atlantis will test novel therapy to build bone during space travel (July 6, 2011) -- When the final mission of NASA's 30-year Space Shuttle program is launched on July 8, an animal experiment to test a novel therapy to increase bone mass will be on board. ... > full story