ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Monday, October 10, 2011

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Monday, October 10, 2011

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Scientists determine alternative insecticide dramatically reduces malaria transmission (October 10, 2011) -- Indoor spraying with the insecticide bendiocarb has dramatically decreased malaria transmission in many parts of Benin, new evidence that insecticides remain a potent weapon for fighting malaria in Africa despite the rapid rise of resistance to an entire class of mosquito-killing compounds, according to a new study. ... > full story

New method to diagnose sinusitis could reduce use of antibiotics, Swedish research suggests (October 10, 2011) -- Research from Sweden suggests a new method of diagnosing sinusitis. The results offer the potential to reduce the use of antibiotics and the costs of the disease to society. ... > full story

Place, not race, may be a larger determinant of health disparities (October 10, 2011) -- Where you live could play a larger role in health disparities than originally thought, according to a new study. Researchers examined a racially integrated, low-income neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland and found that, with the exception of smoking, nationally reported disparities in hypertension, diabetes, obesity among women and use of health services disappeared or narrowed. ... > full story

Babies show sense of fairness, altruism as early as 15 months (October 10, 2011) -- A new study presents the first evidence that a basic sense of fairness and altruism appears in infancy. Babies as young as 15 months perceived the difference between equal and unequal distribution of food, and their awareness of equal rations was linked to their willingness to share a toy. ... > full story

New potential therapeutic target for breast cancer (October 10, 2011) -- A possible new target for breast cancer therapy comes from the discovery that the Tyk2 protein helps suppress the growth and metastasis of breast tumors. ... > full story

Length of flanking repeat region and timing affect genetic material (October 10, 2011) -- Scientists studied the deletions of genetic material in 131 patients with a genomic disorder called Smith-Magenis syndrome and the duplication of genetic material in 79 patients with Potocki-Lupski syndrome. ... > full story

Children's food choices are affected by direct advertising and parental influence, study suggests (October 10, 2011) -- Directly advertising food items to children worries many parents and health care providers, and the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association have expressed concern about the negative impact of advertising on children's healthy food choices. A new study explores the relationship between fast food advertisements, parental influence, and the food choices made by children. ... > full story

HIV: Ancient gene found to control potent antibody response to retroviruses (October 9, 2011) -- A researcher has identified a gene that controls the process by which antibodies gain their ability to combat retroviruses. He has shown that the gene TLR7 allows the antibody generating B cells to detect the presence of a retrovirus and promotes a process by which antibodies gain strength and potency, called a germinal center reaction. ... > full story

In reversing motor nerve damage, time is of the essence: 'Wait and see' in injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome may miss a window for recovery (October 9, 2011) -- When a motor nerve is severely damaged, people rarely recover full muscle strength and function. Combining patient data with observations in a mouse model, neuroscientists now show why. It's not that motor nerve fibers don't regrow -- they can -- but they don't grow fast enough. By the time they get to the muscle fibers, they can no longer communicate with them. ... > full story

Children find human-made objects more likely to be owned than natural objects (October 9, 2011) -- Children as young as three are likely to say that things made by humans have owners, but that natural objects, such as pine cones and sea shells, are not owned, according to a new study. ... > full story

Brain study reveals stress code (October 9, 2011) -- Neuroscientists investigating the 'brain code' claim to have made a significant step forwards in understanding how the brain deals with stress- and mitigates its impact. ... > full story

Study tracks mutations causing congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA) II back to the Roman Empire (October 9, 2011) -- A new study analyzed two mutations (E109K and R14W) of the SEC23B gene and discovered one of them is responsible for the higher frequency of CDA II in Italian population. The first mutation, E109K, may have originated in the Middle East about 2.400 years ago and may have spread in the heyday of the Roman Empire. The other one may have originated in Southern Italy about 3.000 years ago. ... > full story

New software models immune responses (October 9, 2011) -- New software lets researchers see how the immune system responds to pathogens that invade the bacteria-rich environment of the gut. ... > full story

Labour or conservative? It's all in the eye of the beholder, UK facial research finds (October 9, 2011) -- Scientists in the UK have uncovered specific facial characteristics which make Members of Parliament look like they belong to one of the two major political parties in Britain. ... > full story

Imaging agents offer new view of inflammation, cancer (October 8, 2011) -- A series of novel imaging agents could make it possible to "see" tumors in their earliest stages, before they turn deadly. The compounds, derived from inhibitors of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 and detectable by positron emission tomography imaging, may have broad applications for cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment. ... > full story

Raising 'good' cholesterol levels reduces heart attack and stroke risk in diabetes patients (October 8, 2011) -- Increasing levels of high-density lipoproteins, better known as HDL or "good" cholesterol, reduced the risk for heart attack and stroke among patients with diabetes. ... > full story

More insight into the secret life of the American teen (October 8, 2011) -- Researchers have found that when adolescents argue with friends, it can spillover and turn into arguments with family. (And vice versa.) ... > full story

Alzheimer's research: Researchers watch amyloid plaques form (October 8, 2011) -- Researchers use optical trapping to take a detailed look at the early minutes of amyloid aggregate formation, a process important in Alzheimer's disease. The technique could be used for new drug design. ... > full story

New targets for treating inflammatory, autoimmune diseases discovered (October 8, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a cellular pathway that promotes inflammation in diseases like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis. Understanding the details of this pathway may provide opportunities for tailored treatments of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. ... > full story

Timing is crucial for family consent in brain dead organ donors (October 8, 2011) -- Hearts used in transplants can only be sourced from donors that are brain dead before circulation to their heart has ceased. Data from a new study indicate that the time at which organ donation in brain dead donors is first discussed with family members could affect whether or not they consent to donation. ... > full story

Worm 'cell death' discovery could lead to new drugs for deadly parasite (October 7, 2011) -- Researchers have for the first time identified a "programmed cell death" pathway in parasitic worms that could one day lead to new treatments for one of the world's most serious and prevalent diseases. ... > full story

Biological fingerprints improve diagnosis of dementia (October 7, 2011) -- Differentiating between the various forms of dementia is crucial for initiating appropriate treatment. Researchers have discovered that the underlying diseases leave different "fingerprints" in the cerebrospinal fluid, paving the way for more reliable diagnoses. ... > full story

New insight into plant immune defenses (October 7, 2011) -- Researchers have identified an important cog in the molecular machinery of plant immunity -- a discovery that could help crop breeders produce disease-resistant varieties to help ensure future food security. There may also be implications for treating human immune-related disorders. ... > full story

Jonesing for java: Could caffeine use predict risk for cocaine abuse? (October 7, 2011) -- A new study that examined responses to stimulants is the first to demonstrate that caffeine reinforcement prospectively predicts the positive effects of another drug. ... > full story

Natural compound helps reverse diabetes in mice (October 7, 2011) -- Researchers have restored normal blood sugar metabolism in diabetic mice using a compound the body makes naturally. The finding suggests that it may one day be possible for people to take the compound much like a daily vitamin as a way to treat or even prevent Type 2 diabetes. ... > full story

Novel mechanism for preventing infection via body's mucosal borders (October 7, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a previously unknown mechanism that generates protective immune memory cells to fight recurring infections at the body's mucosal linings -- which include the mouth, the intestines, the lungs and other areas. These are the main entry points for many viruses and other infectious organisms. ... > full story

Why anti-rejection drugs for organ transplant patients cause hypertension (October 7, 2011) -- A group of researchers has discovered the process that may be causing side effects caused by the anti-rejection drugs given to organ transplant patients. The discovery means those side effects likely can be dealt with much more cheaply and easily. ... > full story

Pregnant mothers at risk from air pollution, California study suggests (October 7, 2011) -- A California-based study has looked in detail at air quality and the impact of traffic-related air pollution on premature birth. Results from the study show that traffic-related air pollution, especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, is associated with up to a 30 percent increase in premature births, and that seasonal changes and vicinity to the coast affected concentration of toxic pollutants in the air. ... > full story

Genetic link to suicidal behavior confirmed (October 7, 2011) -- A new study has found evidence that a specific gene is linked to suicidal behavior, adding to our knowledge of the many complex causes of suicide. This research may help doctors one day target the gene in prevention efforts. ... > full story

Blood tests may hold clues to pace of Alzheimer's disease progression (October 7, 2011) -- Researchers say they may have found a way to predict how quickly patients with Alzheimer's disease will lose cognitive function by looking at ratios of two fatty compounds in their blood. The finding, they say, could provide useful information to families and caregivers, and might also suggest treatment targets for this heartbreaking and incurable neurodegenerative disorder. ... > full story

Residual damage after heart attack no longer inevitable (October 7, 2011) -- A new treatment could revolutionize the treatment of patients after a heart attack. Medical researchers have developed a protein solution which can be used to reduce the scarring of tissue caused by inflammation after a heart attack. ... > full story

Smoking could lead to 40 million excess tuberculosis deaths by 2050 (October 7, 2011) -- Between 2010 and 2050, smoking could be responsible for 40 million excess deaths from tuberculosis, according to new research. ... > full story

Workplace sabotage fueled by envy, unleashed by disengagement (October 7, 2011) -- Researchers shows that managers should keep team members connected and engaged to avoid workplace sabotage. A new study reveals that envious employees are more likely to undermine peers if they feel disconnected from others. ... > full story

Genetic makeup affects testosterone concentrations in men (October 7, 2011) -- Genetics play an important role in the variation in, and risk of, low testosterone concentrations in men. Scientists have just completed the first genome-wide association study to examine the effects of common genetic variants on serum testosterone concentrations in men. ... > full story

Mine-hunting software helping doctors to identify rare cells in human cancer (October 7, 2011) -- Medical researchers are demonstrating new software developed for finding and recognizing undersea mines can help doctors identify cancer-related cells. The problem that physicians encounter in analyzing human cell images is similar to the Navy's challenge of finding undersea mines. Doctors must sift through hundreds of microscopic images containing millions of cells. To pinpoint specific cells, they use automated image analysis software called FARSIGHT, or Fluorescence Association Rules for Quantitative Insight. ... > full story

Practical play: Interactive video games appear valuable for ICU patients (October 7, 2011) -- Interactive video games, already known to improve motor function in recovering stroke patients, appear to safely enhance physical therapy for patients in intensive care units, new research suggests. ... > full story

Marijuana use may double the risk of accidents for drivers, study finds (October 7, 2011) -- Researchers have found that drivers who test positive for marijuana or report driving within three hours of marijuana use are more than twice as likely as other drivers to be involved in motor vehicle crashes. The researchers also found evidence that crash risk increases with the concentration of marijuana-produced compounds in the urine and the frequency of self-reported marijuana use. ... > full story

New mouse model recreates common form of autism (October 7, 2011) -- Scientists have created a genetically engineered mouse with increased dosages of the Ube3 gene. And, like the patients who also harbor increased dosages of this single gene, the genetically engineered mice exhibit robust examples of all three traits considered hallmarks of autism: reduced social interaction, impaired communication and excessive repetitive behaviors. ... > full story

Aggression-boldness gene identified in model fish (October 7, 2011) -- A gene responsible for aggressive and bold behavior has been identified in zebrafish. This specific behavioral association, whose three characteristics are boldness, exploratory behavior and aggressiveness, has been described in many animal species. In zebrafish, it could be due to the action of a single gene (fgfr-1) through its regulation of histamine levels in the brain, as histamine is the neurotransmitter involved in numerous behavioral traits. ... > full story

Expression of pluripotency-associated gene marks many types of adult stem cells (October 7, 2011) -- Investigators have found that Sox2 -- one of the transcription factors used in the conversion of adult stem cells into induced pluripotent stem cells -- is expressed in many adult tissues where it had not been previously observed and that Sox2-expressing cells in those tissues are true adult stem cells that can give rise to all mature cell types in those tissues. ... > full story

Why does conflict arise when social identity is threatened? (October 7, 2011) -- Be it at school, office, the neighborhood or the community people live in, conflicting situations amongst various groups might arise on an almost day to day basis. Today, the prevalence of these intergroup conflicts is on the rise and has resulted in minor disagreements amongst friends to waging full scale wars between countries. ... > full story

Dioxin-like chemical messenger makes brain tumors more aggressive (October 7, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a new metabolic pathway which makes malignant brain tumors more aggressive and weakens patients' immune systems. Using drugs to inhibit this metabolic pathway is a new approach in cancer treatment. ... > full story

Biochemists identify how tissue cells detect and perfect (October 7, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered how cells detect tissue damage and modify their repair properties accordingly. The findings could open up new opportunities for improving tissue repair in patients following illness or surgery. ... > full story

Hold the phone for vital signs: Researchers turn a smart phone into a medical monitor (October 7, 2011) -- Researchers are turning smartphones into sophisticated medical monitors able to capture and transmit vital physiological data. The team has already developed an app that measures heart rate, heart rhythm, respiration rate, and blood oxygen saturation using the phone's built-in video camera. ... > full story

Ability to ride a bike can aid differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in any setting (October 7, 2011) -- Researchers report that the ability to ride a bike can differentiate between atypical parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease, regardless of the environment or situations for bicycling. ... > full story

New oral drug found to reduce relapses in multiple sclerosis patients (October 7, 2011) -- A new oral drug has been shown in a large international clinical trial to significantly reduce the relapse rate of people with multiple sclerosis and to slow the progression of the disease. ... > full story

Technology to make old-age safer (October 7, 2011) -- A fall alarm. Automatic nightlight. Oven reminder. Refrigerator alarm. These are just a few of the new welfare technology solutions that may become a normal part of the lives of the elderly in the future. A Norwegian technology company has developed a complete electronic safety package for the elderly. ... > full story

Scientists find stem cell reprogramming technique is safer than previously thought (October 7, 2011) -- Stem cells made by reprogramming patients' own cells might one day be used as therapies for a host of diseases, but scientists have feared that dangerous mutations within these cells might be caused by current reprogramming techniques. A sophisticated new analysis of stem cells' DNA finds that such fears may be unwarranted. ... > full story