ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Tuesday, September 6, 2011
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Stomach bacterium damages human DNA; Risk factor for gastric cancer (September 6, 2011) -- The stomach bacterium Helicobacter pylori is one of the biggest risk factors for the development of gastric cancer, the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Molecular biologists in Switzerland have now identified a mechanism of H. pylori that damages the DNA of cells in the gastric mucosa and sets them up for malignant transformation. ... > full story
Two genes that cause familial ALS shown to work together (September 6, 2011) -- Although several genes have been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), it is still unknown how they cause this progressive neurodegenerative disease. In a new study, researchers have demonstrated that two ALS-associated genes work in tandem to support the long-term survival of motor neurons. ... > full story
Search for predictors of risk for PTSD: Meaningful associations dependent on reliable measures of pre-existing trauma (September 6, 2011) -- A new study suggests that certain variants of a gene that helps regulate serotonin (a brain chemical related to mood) may serve as a useful predictor of risk for symptoms related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a trauma. ... > full story
Scientists discover secret life of chromatin: DNA/histone combination, a destination for cell signals, also talks to other proteins (September 6, 2011) -- Chromatin -- the intertwined histone proteins and DNA that make up chromosomes -- constantly receives messages that pour in from a cell's intricate signaling networks: Turn that gene on. Stifle that one. But chromatin also talks back, scientists report, issuing orders affecting a protein that has nothing to do with chromatin's central role in gene transcription -- the first step in protein formation. ... > full story
Breast cancer risk drops when diet includes walnuts, researchers find (September 6, 2011) -- The risk of breast cancer dropped significantly in mice when their regular diet included a modest amount of walnut, researchers report in a new study. ... > full story
The size and burden of mental disorders in Europe (September 6, 2011) -- A major landmark study sheds new light on the state of Europe's mental and neurological health. The study reveals that mental disorders have become Europe's largest health challenge in the 21st century. The study also highlights that the majority of mental disorders remain untreated. Taken together with the large and increasing number of "disorders of the brain," the true size and burden is even significantly higher. ... > full story
An 'unconventional' path to correcting cystic fibrosis (September 5, 2011) -- Researchers have identified an unconventional path that may correct the defect underlying cystic fibrosis, according to a new study. This new treatment dramatically extends the lives of mice carrying the disease-associated mutation. ... > full story
New mutations in leukemia: Researchers found mechanism that can help design future therapies (September 5, 2011) -- Medical researchers have found a group of mutations involved in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), and showed that certain drugs, already in clinical use to treat other diseases, can eliminate the cells carrying these mutations. Results may allow for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for treating leukemia. ... > full story
Why we crave creativity but reject creative ideas (September 5, 2011) -- Most people view creativity as an asset -- until they come across a creative idea. That's because creativity not only reveals new perspectives; it promotes a sense of uncertainty. ... > full story
Potential vaccine readies immune system to kill tuberculosis in mice (September 5, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a potential vaccine against tuberculosis that completely eliminates tuberculosis bacteria from infected tissues in some mice. The vaccine was created with a strain of bacteria that, due to the absence of a few genes, are unable to avoid its host's first-line immune response. Once this first-line defense has been activated, it triggers the more specific immune response that can protect against future infections. ... > full story
Gene mutation shown to cause leukemia and lymphedema (September 5, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a gene that when mutated can cause lymphedema (swollen limbs due to a failure of the lymph system), immune abnormalities, deafness and leukemia. The identification of the gene responsible for causing this rare combination of medical conditions, known as Emberger syndrome, could allow earlier identification and treatment of those at risk. ... > full story
Living with a smoker increases absenteeism in school children, U.S. study confirms (September 5, 2011) -- Children who live in households where they are exposed to tobacco smoke miss more days of school than do children living in smoke-free homes, a new U.S. nationwide study confirms. The report finds these children have higher rates of respiratory illnesses that can be caused by second-hand smoke and details the probable economic costs of their increased school absence. ... > full story
New class of anti-diabetic compound established (September 5, 2011) -- Scientists have established a new class of anti-diabetic compound that targets a unique molecular switch. ... > full story
Growth hormone helps repair the zebrafish ear (September 5, 2011) -- Loud noise, especially repeated loud noise, is known to cause irreversible damage to the hair cells inside the cochlea and eventually lead to deafness. In mammals this is irreversible. However, both birds and fish are able to re-grow the damaged hair cells and restore hearing. New research shows that growth hormone is involved in this regeneration in zebrafish. ... > full story
Simple teaching tool boosts student reading performance, study finds (September 5, 2011) -- New research shows that utilizing a freely available literacy tool results in significant advances in fundamental reading skills for elementary school students, without requiring schools to drastically overhaul existing programs. The research focused on children who were characterized as "struggling readers" at risk for a learning disability in reading. ... > full story
New tactic for controlling blood sugar in diabetes contradicts current view of the disease: Inflammation may be part of the solution, not the problem (September 5, 2011) -- Increased low-grade inflammation in the body resulting from obesity is widely viewed as contributing to type 2 diabetes. Going against this long-held belief, researchers report that two proteins activated by inflammation are actually crucial for maintaining good blood sugar levels -- and that boosting the activity of these proteins can normalize blood sugar in severely obese and diabetic mice. ... > full story
Endogenous approach to the prevention of allergies: How the immune system can develop tolerance to allergens (September 5, 2011) -- Scientists in Germany have clarified an endogenous mechanism that can prevent the development of allergies. They were able to show that certain cells of the immune system, so-called killer dendritic cells, are capable of eliminating allergy cells. The results of the study open up new perspectives for strategies to protect against allergies. ... > full story
U.S. high school science standards in genetics are 'inadequate,' according to experts (September 5, 2011) -- More than 85 percent of states have genetics standards that are inadequate for preparing America's high school students for participation in a society and health care system that will be increasingly impacted by genetics-based personalized medicine, according to experts. ... > full story
Non-epileptic seizures may be misdiagnosed longer in veterans (September 5, 2011) -- Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures may go undiagnosed for much longer in veterans compared to civilians, according to a new study. This type of seizure is different from seizures related to epilepsy and is thought to have a psychological origin. ... > full story
Study identifies 'respectable addicts' experiencing range of problems with over-the-counter medicines (September 5, 2011) -- A report of a study investigating over the counter medicine (OTC) abuse provides evidence that there is a group of individuals experiencing a range of problems often with codeine-based medicines purchased from pharmacies, and for whom help and support varied. ... > full story
Human intestinal stem cell breakthrough for regenerative medicine (September 4, 2011) -- Human colon stem cells have been identified and grown in a petri dish for the first time. This achievement is a crucial advance towards regenerative medicine. ... > full story
Key function of mutation in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer gene discovered (September 4, 2011) -- It is widely known that mutations in the breast cancer susceptibility 1 (BRCA1) gene significantly increase the chance of developing breast and ovarian cancers, but the mechanisms at play are not fully understood. Now, researchers have shown that certain BRCA1 mutations result in excessive, uncontrolled DNA repair, which challenges the prior assumption that mutations in BRCA1 only contribute to breast cancer through a reduction in function. ... > full story
Sex hormones impact career choices, psychologists find in new study (September 4, 2011) -- Teacher, pilot, nurse or engineer? Sex hormones strongly influence people's interests, which affect the kinds of occupations they choose, according to psychologists. ... > full story
Researchers successfully perform first injection of cultured red blood cells in human donor (September 4, 2011) -- For the first time, researchers have successfully injected cultured red blood cells (cRBCs) created from human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into a human donor. As the global need for blood continues to increase while the number of blood donors is decreasing, these study results provide hope that one day patients in need of a blood transfusion might become their own donors. ... > full story
Nearly half of runners may be drinking too much during races (September 4, 2011) -- Nearly half of recreational runners may be drinking too much fluid during races, according to a new survey of runners. ... > full story
Advertising in violent video games results in poor recall, negative brand perception (September 4, 2011) -- Embedding advertisements in violent video games leads to lower brand recall and negative brand attitudes suggesting advertisers should think twice about including such ads in a media campaign, according to new research. ... > full story
Pharmacists need to provide better information to teenagers on risks and benefits of medicines, review suggests (September 4, 2011) -- A large proportion of teenagers regularly and frequently take some form of medication without receiving targeted information about the risks and benefits, according to a review of current research. ... > full story
Discovery suggests way to block fetal brain damage produced by oxygen deprivation (September 3, 2011) -- Examining brain damage that occurs when fetuses in the womb are deprived of oxygen, researchers have discovered that damage does not occur randomly but is linked to the specific action of a naturally occurring fatty molecule called LPA, acting through a receptor that transfers information into young brain cells. ... > full story
Researchers investigate new mechanism for predicting how diseases spread (September 3, 2011) -- Researchers have investigated the outcomes of a previously ignored mechanism in modeling how humans travel. By challenging a long-held assumption, they hope to create models that can more accurately predict the spread of disease and the spread of human-mediated bioinvasions. ... > full story
Researchers develop new way to predict heart transplant survival (September 3, 2011) -- Researchers say they have developed a formula to predict which heart transplant patients are at greatest risk of death in the year following their surgeries, information that could help medical teams figure out who would benefit most from the small number of available organs. ... > full story
Glucocorticoid treatment may prevent long term damage to joints, study shows (September 3, 2011) -- Joint injury can result in irreversible damage of cartilage which, despite treatment and surgery, often eventually leads to osteoarthritis (OA) in later life. New research demonstrates that short term treatment of damaged cartilage with glucocorticoids can reduce long term degenerative changes and may provide hope for prevention of OA after injury. ... > full story
Sexual orientation unconsciously affects our impressions of others, Canadian study suggests (September 3, 2011) -- Studies by psychologists in Canada reveal that when it comes to white men, being straight may make you more likable but in the case of black men, gays have a likability edge. ... > full story
Vitamin A supplements for infants could save thousands of lives a year (September 3, 2011) -- An international study suggests that giving vitamin A supplements to children in low and middle income countries could significantly cut rates of mortality, illnesses and blindness amongst those below the age of five. ... > full story
Powerful antioxidant resveratrol prevents metabolic syndrome in lab tests, study finds (September 2, 2011) -- Researchers in Canada have discovered that resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant found in common foods, prevents a syndrome in some offspring that could lead to later health issues such as diabetes. Resveratrol is found in fruits, nuts and red wine, and has been shown to extend the lifespan of many species. ... > full story
New insight in how cells' powerhouse divides (September 2, 2011) -- New research puts an unexpected twist on how mitochondria, the energy-generating structures within cells, divide. The work could have implications for a wide range of diseases and conditions. ... > full story
People think the 'typical' member of a group looks like them (September 2, 2011) -- What does a typical European face look like according to Europeans? It all depends on which European you ask. Germans think the typical European looks more German; Portuguese people think the typical European looks more Portuguese, according to a new study. ... > full story
Researchers identify gene that leads to myopia (nearsightedness) (September 2, 2011) -- Despite decades of intensive research, the specific genes whose defects lead to nearsightedness have remained elusive. A defective gene was identified in a thorough study of severe early-onset myopia that is common in a specific Bedouin tribe in southern Israel. ... > full story
To treat rare immune deficiency disease, scientists repurpose bone marrow transplant drug (September 2, 2011) -- A new study reports that a drug already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in patients undergoing a bone marrow transplant may also have promise for treating people who have a rare immune deficiency known as WHIM syndrome. People with the syndrome are more susceptible to potentially life-threatening bacterial and viral infections, particularly human papillomavirus infections, which cause skin and genital warts and can lead to cancer. ... > full story
Visual test effective in diagnosing concussions in collegiate athletes, study suggests (September 2, 2011) -- A sideline visual test effectively detected concussions in collegiate athletes, according to researchers. This quick visual test, easily administered on the playing field, holds promise as a complement to other diagnostic tools for sports-related concussion. ... > full story
Starving inflammatory immune cells slows damage caused by multiple sclerosis, study finds (September 2, 2011) -- Researchers report that inhibiting the ability of immune cells to use fatty acids as fuel measurably slows disease progression in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS). ... > full story
Cryptococcus infections misdiagnosed in many AIDS patients, study suggests (September 2, 2011) -- Most AIDS patients, when diagnosed with a fungal infection known simply as cryptococcosis, are assumed to have an infection with Cryptococcus neoformans, but a new study suggests that a sibling species, Cryptococcus gattii, is a more common cause than was previously known. The difference between these strains could make a difference in treatment, clinical course, and outcome. ... > full story
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