ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Monday, October 3, 2011

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Monday, October 3, 2011

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Alcohol impairs the body's ability to fight off viral infection, study finds (October 2, 2011) -- Alcohol can worsen the effects of disease. New research shows that alcohol modulates the anti-viral and inflammatory functions of monocytes. Prolonged alcohol consumption has a double negative effect of reducing the anti-viral effect of Type 1 interferon (IFN) whilst increasing inflammation via the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF±. Consequently this may impair host response to single-stranded virus infection like hepatitis C. ... > full story

Small amount of exercise could protect against memory loss in elderly, study suggests (October 2, 2011) -- A new study shows that a small amount of physical exercise could profoundly protect the elderly from long-term memory loss that can happen suddenly following infection, illnesses or injury in old age. Researchers have now shown that aging rats that ran just over half a kilometer each week were protected against infection-induced memory loss. ... > full story

New factor in HIV infection uncovered (October 2, 2011) -- Scientists have revealed the specific process by which the HIV virus infects healthy T cells -- a process previously unknown. The principal investigator says he hopes this breakthrough will start a new line on inquiry into how researchers can use this knowledge to create drugs that could limit or halt HIV infection. ... > full story

What's in a kids meal? Not happy news (October 2, 2011) -- High-calorie, high-sodium choices were on the menu when parents purchased lunch for their children at a San Diego fast-food restaurant. Why? Because both children and adults liked the food and the convenience. However, the study of data showed that convenience resulted in lunchtime meals that accounted for between 36 and 51 percent of a child's daily caloric needs. ... > full story

Overweight mothers increase asthma risk for their children, study finds (October 2, 2011) -- The children of mothers who overweight or obese when they become pregnant are more likely to have asthma or wheezing as teenagers, according to a team of researchers. ... > full story

New inherited neurometabolic disorder discovered (October 2, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a new inherited disorder that causes severe mental retardation and liver dysfunction. The disease, adenosine kinase deficiency, is caused by mutations in the ADK gene, which codes for the enzyme adenosine kinase. ... > full story

Level and nature of autistic intelligence: What about Asperger Syndrome? (October 2, 2011) -- Autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger syndrome, have generally been associated with uneven intellectual profiles and impairment, but according to a new study of Asperger individuals, this may not be the case -- as long as intelligence is evaluated by the right test. ... > full story

Less is more for common cancer drug, study suggests (October 1, 2011) -- Scientists have found that smaller, less toxic amounts of chemotherapy medicine given frequently to mice with human prostate cancer noticeably slowed tumor growth. ... > full story

Cell-specific mechanism-based gene therapy approach to treat retinitis pigmentosa (October 1, 2011) -- Scientists have achieved temporary functional preservation of photoreceptors in a mouse model for retinitis pigmentosa using novel bipartite gene therapy. ... > full story

How your brain reacts to mistakes depends on your mindset (October 1, 2011) -- "Whether you think you can or think you can't -- you're right," said Henry Ford. A new study finds that people who think they can learn from their mistakes have a different brain reaction to mistakes than people who think intelligence is fixed. ... > full story

Scientists discover 'fickle' DNA changes in brain (October 1, 2011) -- Scientists investigating chemical modifications across the genomes of adult mice have discovered that DNA modifications in non-dividing brain cells, thought to be inherently stable, instead underwent large-scale dynamic changes as a result of stimulated brain activity. Their report has major implications for treating psychiatric diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and for better understanding learning, memory and mood regulation. ... > full story

'Master key' to unlock new treatments for autoimmune disorders discovered (October 1, 2011) -- Imagine a drug that treats most autoimmune disorders, such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and Lupus. New research shows how scientists have discovered a molecule used by the body to prevent unnecessary immune reactions. This molecule, "alpha v beta 6," normally keeps our immune systems from overreacting when food passes through our bodies, and it may unlock an entirely new set of treatments for autoimmune disorders. ... > full story

Antisocial personality traits predict utilitarian responses to moral dilemmas (October 1, 2011) -- Scientists found that people who endorse actions consistent with an ethic of utilitarianism -- the view that what is the morally right thing to do is whatever produces the best overall consequences -- tend to possess psychopathic and Machiavellian personality traits. ... > full story

Intrinsic aerobic exercise capacity linked to longevity (September 30, 2011) -- Aerobic exercise capacity has proven to be a good indicator of health. A recent article uses a rat model to show that innate exercise capacity can be linked to longevity. ... > full story

Humans and sharks share immune system feature (September 30, 2011) -- A central element of the immune system has remained constant through more than 400 million years of evolution, according to new research. T-cell receptors from mice continue to function even when pieces of shark, frog and trout receptors are substituted in. The function of the chimeric receptors depends on a few crucial amino acids, found also in humans, that help the T-cell receptor bind to MHC molecules presenting antigens. ... > full story

Experts propose new unified genetic model for human disease (September 30, 2011) -- Based on a wide variety of genetic studies and analysis -- from genome wide association studies looking for common variations in the DNA of many people with complex diseases to the sequencing of specific gene mutations thought to cause disease to whole genome sequencing -- four leaders in the field propose a unified genetic model for human disease. ... > full story

Autistic mice act a lot like human patients: Geneticists develop promising mouse model for testing new autism therapies (September 30, 2011) -- Scientists have created a mouse model for autism that opens a window into the biological mechanisms that underlie the disease and offers a promising way to test new treatment approaches. The research found that autistic mice display remarkably similar symptoms and behavior as children and adults on the autism spectrum. ... > full story

Glucosamine-like supplement suppresses multiple sclerosis attacks, study suggests (September 30, 2011) -- A glucosamine-like dietary supplement suppresses the damaging autoimmune response seen in multiple sclerosis, according to a new study. ... > full story

New approach to keeping coronary arteries open after angioplasties (September 30, 2011) -- Researchers report a possible new approach to preventing coronary arteries from reclogging after balloon angioplasties. ... > full story

Powerful antibody-based strategy suggests a new therapeutic approach to diabetes and obesity (September 30, 2011) -- Scientists have devised a way to overcome one of the major technical obstacles preventing a leading therapeutic target for diabetes and obesity from being addressed successfully by novel drugs. ... > full story

Complicated gene networks involved in fly aggression (September 30, 2011) -- Put up your dukes. A study of aggression in fruit flies aims to provide a framework for how complex gene interactions affect behavior. And these clues in flies could translate to a better understanding of human genes and behavior. ... > full story

Proteins that control development of varicose veins discovered (September 30, 2011) -- A discovery explains for the first time what kicks off the process that causes varicose veins. In a new study, researchers from Germany describe a single protein that binds to DNA to control gene function (called "transcription factor AP-1") and the subsequent production of a newly discovered set of proteins that significantly affect the development of varicose veins. ... > full story

Early to bed and early to rise: Study suggests it's keeping kids leaner (September 30, 2011) -- Researchers recording the bedtimes and wake times of 2,200 Australian youths found that the night owls were 1.5 times more likely to become obese than the early birds, twice as likely to be physically inactive and 2.9 times more likely to sit in front of the TV and computer or play video games for more hours than guidelines recommend. ... > full story

Promising drug treatment for improving language, social function in people with autism (September 30, 2011) -- Researchers are examining the use of propranolol (a drug used to treat high blood pressure and control heart rate as well as to reduce test anxiety) to improve the primary traits associated with autism -- difficulty with normal social skills, language and repetitive behaviors. Researchers say the drug is a promising new avenue for improving language and social function. ... > full story

Unprecedented insight into fighting viral infections (September 30, 2011) -- Researchers have determined the structure of a protein that is the first line of defense in fighting viral infections including influenza, hepatitis C, West Nile, rabies and measles. ... > full story

Smoking linked to chronic pain in women (September 30, 2011) -- Kentucky women who smoke heavily may experience more chronic musculoskeletal pain, suggests a new study. ... > full story

High social status makes people more trusting, study finds (September 30, 2011) -- When you start a new job, your boss may be more likely to trust you than you are to trust him or her, a new study suggests. The reason has to with the role that social status plays in relationships. ... > full story

Neuroscientists record novel responses to faces from single neurons in humans (September 30, 2011) -- Responding to faces is a critical tool for social interactions between humans. Without the ability to read faces and their expressions, it would be hard to tell friends from strangers upon first glance. Now, neuroscientists have discovered a novel response to human faces by looking at recordings from brain cells in neurosurgical patients. ... > full story

Large meta-analysis finds new genes for type 1 diabetes (September 30, 2011) -- The largest-ever analysis of genetic data related to type 1 diabetes has uncovered new genes associated with the common metabolic disease, which affects 200 million people worldwide. The findings add to knowledge of gene networks involved in the origin of this complex disorder, in which patients depend on frequent insulin injections to control their blood sugar levels. ... > full story

Cocaine users have 45 percent increased risk of glaucoma (September 30, 2011) -- A study of the 5.3 million men and women seen in Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinics in a one-year period found that use of cocaine is predictive of open-angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma. Current and former cocaine users had a 45 percent increased risk of glaucoma. ... > full story

Suffering of the poor may have helped societies with class structures spread across globe (September 30, 2011) -- Arguably the worst feature of societies with class structures -- the disproportionate suffering of the poor -- may have been the driving force behind the spread of those stratified societies across the globe at the expense of more egalitarian societies. During hard times, a society in which the bulk of the suffering is borne by the poor can survive and expand into new territory more readily than can egalitarian societies. ... > full story

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

'Micro'-chemo and cancer pill combo tested in liver cancer patients (September 30, 2011) -- A combination of an oral drug, called sorafenib, and a method for injecting microbeads of chemotherapy directly into tumors has been proven safe for liver cancer patients and may improve outcomes for those who have these fast-growing, deadly tumors whose numbers are on the rise in the US. ... > full story

Impediment to some cancer immunotherapy involves the free radical peroxynitrite (September 30, 2011) -- Researchers have found that tumor cell resistance to a specific cancer immunotherapy designed to kill cancer cells can be blamed on a mechanism that involves the production of a free radical peroxynitrite that causes resistance to therapeutic cancer-killing cells. ... > full story

New guideline outlines recommendations to reduce blood clots after hip and knee replacement (September 30, 2011) -- An updated clinical practice guideline recommends how to reduce the likelihood of blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery, procedures that more than 800,000 Americans undergo each year. The new guideline suggests use of preventive treatments and advises against routinely screening patients after surgery using ultrasound imaging. ... > full story

Expandable prosthesis resolves advanced aortic valve disease (September 30, 2011) -- Among individuals 65 years and older, as many as 30 percent have aortic valve sclerosis or stenosis and as a result of their deteriorating health, they cannot enjoy a normal lifestyle. Physicians involved in a new study now have the option to replace the aortic valve using an innovative minimally invasive procedure -- transcatheter aortic valve implantation. ... > full story

Young adults want to recover from addiction but need help to make it happen, study suggests (September 30, 2011) -- A new study suggests that strong motivation to change may exist from the get-go among young adults with severe addiction problems entering residential treatment, but the know-how and confidence to change come through the treatment experience,. ... > 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