ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Friday, September 30, 2011

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Friday, September 30, 2011

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Knockout of protein prevents colon tumor formation in mice (September 30, 2011) -- A protein that regulates differentiation in normal tissue may play a very different role in colon and breast cancer, activating proliferation of damaged cells, according to researchers. ... > full story

Oral steroids linked to severe vitamin D deficiency in nationwide US study (September 30, 2011) -- People taking oral steroids are twice as likely as the general population to have severe vitamin D deficiency, according to a study of more than 31,000 children and adults. Their findings suggest that physicians should more diligently monitor vitamin D levels in patients being treated with oral steroids. ... > full story

Women in science? Universities don't make the grade (September 30, 2011) -- Despite years of trying to improve the number of women undergraduates in science and engineering, a new study shows most universities are failing. ... > full story

Breakthrough in understanding white matter development (September 30, 2011) -- Through the identification of a gene's impact on a signaling pathway, scientists continue to make progress in understanding the mechanics of a key brain developmental process: growth and repair of white matter, known as myelination. ... > full story

Cancer detection from an implantable, flexible LED (September 30, 2011) -- Researchers in South Korea have developed a new concept in cancer detection: a biocompatible, flexible gallium nitride (GaN) LED that can detect prostate cancer. ... > full story

Computational modeling can help plan vaccine introduction, study finds (September 30, 2011) -- Proper planning before the introduction of new vaccines into a developing country's active immunization program could prevent storage problems and transportation bottlenecks that decrease the availability of existing vaccines by as much as two-thirds, according to a new study. Computational models can forecast the impact of new vaccine introduction and identify potential disruptions, concluded the study. ... > full story

Smartphones revolutionize psychological experiments (September 30, 2011) -- Researchers have tapped into smartphone technology to carry out psychological experiments, allowing them access to millions of participants at the touch of a button. ... > full story

End-of-life discussions do not affect survival rates, study shows (September 30, 2011) -- Discussing and documenting patients' preferences for care at the end of life does not cause them any harm, contrary to recent claims. A new study found that patients who talk with their physicians about end-of-life care and have an advance directive in their medical record have similar survival rates as patients who do not have these discussions and documents. ... > full story

Single dose of 'magic mushrooms' hallucinogen may create lasting personality change, study suggests (September 29, 2011) -- A single high dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin, the active ingredient in so-called "magic mushrooms," was enough to bring about a measurable personality change lasting at least a year in nearly 60 percent of the participants in a new study, according to researchers. ... > full story

Researchers explain hormonal role in glucose and fat metabolism (September 29, 2011) -- Hormone researchers have their sights set on providing long-term treatment options for diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases by better understanding estradiol, the most potent naturally occurring estrogen. They now believe that this estrogen hormone is a prominent regulator of several body functions in both females and males. ... > full story

Key protein causing excess liver production of glucose in diabetes identified (September 29, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a powerful molecular pathway that regulates the liver's management of insulin and new glucose production, which could lead to new therapies for diabetes. ... > full story

Big Tobacco knew radioactive particles in cigarettes posed cancer risk but kept quiet, study suggests (September 29, 2011) -- Tobacco companies knew that cigarette smoke contained radioactive alpha particles for more than four decades and developed "deep and intimate" knowledge of these particles' cancer-causing potential, but they deliberately kept their findings from the public, according to a new study. ... > full story

New technique identifies first events in tumor development (September 29, 2011) -- A novel technique that enables scientists to measure and document tumor-inducing changes in DNA is providing new insight into the earliest events involved in the formation of leukemias, lymphomas and sarcomas, and could potentially lead to the discovery of ways to stop those events. ... > full story

High-risk donor livers used with greater frequency in transplantations (September 29, 2011) -- The shortage of available organs for transplantation has driven up use of high-risk donor livers. New research has reported that high volume transplant centers more frequently utilized livers with a high donor risk index, but achieved better risk-adjusted graft and recipient survival rates compared with lower volume centers. ... > full story

If you're happy and you know it: Researchers trail Twitter to track world's mood swings (September 29, 2011) -- Using Twitter to monitor the attitudes of 2.4 million people in 84 countries, researchers found that people all over the world awaken in a good mood -- but globally that cheer soon deteriorates once the workday progresses. ... > full story

Instead of defibrillator's painful jolt, there may be a gentler way to prevent sudden death (September 29, 2011) -- Each year in the United States, more than 200,000 people have a cardiac defibrillator implanted in their chest to deliver a high-voltage shock to prevent sudden cardiac death from a life-threatening arrhythmia. While it's a necessary and effective preventive therapy, those who've experienced a defibrillator shock say it's painful, and some studies suggest that the shock can damage heart muscle. ... > full story

How normal cells become brain cancers (September 29, 2011) -- Brain tumor specimens taken from neurosurgery cases have given scientists a new window on the transformation that occurs as healthy brain cells begin to form tumors. ... > full story

Major HIV prevention trial in women to drop oral tenofovir arm (September 29, 2011) -- A large-scale clinical trial evaluating whether daily use of an oral tablet or vaginal gel containing antiretroviral drugs can prevent HIV infection in women is being modified because an interim review found that the study cannot show that one of the study products, oral tenofovir, marketed under the trade name Viread, is effective. ... > full story

Roads pave the way for the spread of superbugs (September 29, 2011) -- Antibiotic resistant E. coli was much more prevalent in villages situated along roads than in rural villages located away from roads, which suggests that roads play a major role in the spread or containment of antibiotic resistant bacteria, commonly called superbugs, a new study finds. ... > full story

Americans move dramatically toward acceptance of homosexuality: Young people lead the changes (September 29, 2011) -- Although sharply divided, public attitudes toward gays and lesbians are rapidly changing to reflect greater acceptance, with younger generations leading the way, research shows. In addition to a plurality who now approve of same-sex marriage, Americans overwhelmingly support basic civil liberties and freedom of expression for gays and lesbians, in contrast to sharp division on such issues in the 1970s. ... > full story

Correcting sickle cell disease with stem cells (September 29, 2011) -- Using a patient's own stem cells, researchers have corrected the genetic alteration that causes sickle cell disease, a painful, disabling inherited blood disorder that affects mostly African-Americans. The corrected stem cells were coaxed into immature red blood cells in a test tube that then turned on a normal version of the gene. ... > full story

Even high-but-normal blood pressure elevates stroke risk (September 29, 2011) -- People with prehypertension have a 55 percent higher risk of experiencing a future stroke than people without prehypertension, report researchers in a new meta-analysis of scientific literature. ... > full story

Red wine ingredient resveratrol stops breast cancer growth, study suggests (September 29, 2011) -- New research shows that resveratrol, the "healthy" ingredient in red wine, stops breast cancer cells from growing by blocking the growth effects of estrogen. This discovery suggests for the first time that resveratrol is able to counteract malignant progression since it inhibits the proliferation of hormone resistant breast cancer cells. This has important implications for treatment of women with breast cancer whose tumors develop resistance to hormonal therapy. ... > full story

Risk factors for cat cancer could have human implications (September 29, 2011) -- A recent, large-scale study on cat intestinal cancer has provided new insight into a common pet disease and its causes; the findings could ultimately benefit humans. ... > full story

Drug companies must report clinical trial results, even when they won't lead to a product, experts urge (September 29, 2011) -- Drug companies sponsoring human trials of possible new medications have ethical responsibilities to study participants and to science to disclose the results of their clinical research -- even when product development is no longer being pursued. ... > full story

Commonly used supplement may improve recovery from spinal cord injuries (September 29, 2011) -- A commonly used supplement is likely to improve outcomes and recovery for individuals who sustain a spinal cord injury, according to new research. ... > full story

Key to survival of brain cells discovered (September 29, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered how a key chemical neurotransmitter that interacts with two receptors in the brain promotes either normal function or a disease process -- determining whether brain cells live or die. ... > full story

Adolescents particularly susceptible to drinking habits of romantic partner's friends (September 29, 2011) -- The drinking habits of a romantic partner's friends are more likely to impact an adolescent's future drinking than are the behaviors of an adolescent's own friends or significant other, according to a new study. ... > full story

Modified vaccine shows promise in preventing malaria: Vaccine uses immune-stimulating gene (September 29, 2011) -- Continuing a global effort to prevent malaria infections, researchers have now created a new malaria vaccine -- one that combines the use of a disabled cold virus with an immune system-stimulating gene -- that appears to increase the immune response against the parasite that causes the deadly disease. ... > full story

First detection of pregnancy protein in older people destined for Alzheimer's disease (September 29, 2011) -- In an advance toward a much-needed early diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease (AD), scientists have discovered that older women destined to develop AD have high blood levels of a protein linked to pregnancy years before showing symptoms. ... > full story

Breath-takingly simple test for human exposure to potentially toxic substances (September 29, 2011) -- The search for a rapid, non-invasive way to determine whether people have been exposed to potentially toxic substances in their workplaces, homes and elsewhere in the environment has led scientists to a technology that literally takes a person's breath away. Their report identifies exhaled breath as an ideal indicator of such exposure. ... > full story

Prescribed stimulant use for ADHD continues to rise steadily (September 29, 2011) -- The prescribed use of stimulant medications to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rose slowly but steadily from 1996 to 2008, according to a new study. ... > full story

Easily embarrassed? Study finds people will trust you more (September 29, 2011) -- If tripping in public or mistaking an overweight woman for a mother-to-be leaves you red-faced, don't feel bad. A new study suggests that people who are easily embarrassed are also more trustworthy, and more generous. ... > full story

Pregnant women who exercise protect their offspring against long-term neurodegenerative diseases, study suggests (September 29, 2011) -- If you are pregnant, here's another reason to work out: you will reduce the chances of your baby developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, later in life, new research suggests. A new report shows that mice bred to develop a neurodegenerative disease equivalent to Alzheimer's disease showed fewer signs of the disease and greater brain plasticity later in life when their mothers exercised regularly than those whose mothers did not. ... > full story

Control gene for developmental timing discovered (September 29, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a key regulator that controls the speed of development in the fruit fly. When the researchers blocked the function of this regulator, animals sped up their rate of development and reached maturity much faster than normal. ... > full story

'Molecular wipe': Potential treatment for 'pink eye' epidemic (September 29, 2011) -- Scientists are reporting discovery of a potential new drug for epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) -- sometimes called "pink eye" -- a highly infectious eye disease that may occur in 15 million to 20 million people annually in the United States alone. Their report describes an innovative new "molecular wipe" that sweeps up viruses responsible for EKC. ... > full story

Who's the best leader: The saint or the scrooge? (September 29, 2011) -- Generosity is typically regarded as a virtue. But among leaders, it can be seen as a sign of weakness, according to a new study. The research finds that generosity -- in the sense of contributing to the public good -- influences a person's status on two critical dimensions: prestige and dominance. ... > full story

Scientists reveal molecular sculptor of memories (September 29, 2011) -- Researchers working with adult mice have discovered that learning and memory were profoundly affected when they altered the amounts of a certain protein in specific parts of the mammals' brains. ... > full story

Alcohol in moderation can reduce asthma risk, study suggests (September 29, 2011) -- Drinking alcohol in moderate quantities can reduce the risk of asthma, according to Danish researchers. ... > full story

Genetic variant linked to blocked heart arteries in patients with diabetes (September 29, 2011) -- Researchers have identified the first genetic variant associated with severity of coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. Though this variant is not likely the cause of more severe coronary disease, the researchers say, it implicates a gene that could be. Such a gene has promise as a future target for treating coronary artery disease in diabetic patients. ... > full story

Resisting peer pressure: Why adolescents respond differently to peer influence (September 29, 2011) -- The company an adolescent keeps affects his or her behavior -- particularly when these friends engage in illicit activities and are indifferent to education -- right? Well, that all depends, according to a new study. ... > full story

Hepatitis C patients likely to falter in adherence to treatment regimen over time, study shows (September 29, 2011) -- Patients being treated for chronic hepatitis C become less likely to take their medications over time, according to a new study. Since the study also showed better response to the drugs when they're taken correctly, the researchers say the findings should prompt clinicians to assess patients for barriers to medication adherence and develop strategies to help them stay on track. ... > full story

Hide-and-seek: Altered HIV can't evade immune system (September 28, 2011) -- Researchers have modified HIV in a way that makes it no longer able to suppress the immune system. Their work could remove a major hurdle in HIV vaccine development and lead to new treatments. ... > full story

Popular colorectal cancer drug may cause permanent nerve damage, study suggests (September 28, 2011) -- Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based anticancer drug that's made enormous headway in recent years against colorectal cancer, appears to cause nerve damage that may be permanent and worsens even months after treatment ends, according to a new study. ... > full story

New cancer drug combination significantly delays breast cancer progression, phase II study shows (September 28, 2011) -- The first randomised trial to investigate the use of trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) for the initial treatment of HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer has shown that it makes a significant difference to the time women live without their disease worsening. Patients with the cancer who received T-DM1 had a 41 percent improvement in the time they lived without it worsening compared to those who received standard docetaxel chemotherapy plus trastuzumab. ... > full story

Alcohol-related behavior changes: Blame your immune system (September 28, 2011) -- When you think about your immune system, you probably think about it fighting off a cold. But new research suggests that immune cells in your brain may contribute to how you respond to alcohol. ... > full story

Millisecond memory: 'Teleportation' of rats sheds light on how the memory is organized (September 28, 2011) -- An experiment in which rats are "teleported" shows how memory is organized into discrete 125 millisecond-long packets, enabling a smooth transition between one memory and the next. ... > full story

Gene may be good target for tough-to-kill prostate cancer cells (September 28, 2011) -- Scientists believe they have found an effective target for killing late-stage, metastatic prostate cancer cells. They are focusing on the function of a gene called Polo-like kinase (Plk1), a critical regulator of the cell cycle. Plk1 is also an oncogene, which tends to mutate and can cause cancer. ... > full story