ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Sunday, October 30, 2011

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Sunday, October 30, 2011

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Scientists measure dream content for the first time: Dreams activate the brain in a similar way to real actions (October 28, 2011) -- The ability to dream is a fascinating aspect of the human mind. However, how the images and emotions that we experience so intensively when we dream form in our heads remains a mystery. Up to now it has not been possible to measure dream content. Scientists in Germany have now succeeded, for the first time, in analyzing the activity of the brain during dreaming. ... > full story

Scientists chart gene expression in the brain across lifespan (October 28, 2011) -- The "switching on" of specific genes in the human genome is what makes each human tissue and each human being unique. A new study found that many gene expression changes that occur during fetal development are reversed immediately after birth. Reversals of fetal expression changes are also seen again much later in life during normal aging of the brain. Additionally, the team observed the reversal of fetal expression changes in Alzheimer's disease findings reported in other studies. ... > full story

Specific gene linked to cold sore susceptibility, study finds (October 28, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a human chromosome containing a specific gene associated with susceptibility to herpes simplex labialis, the common cold sore. The study looks at how several genes may affect the severity of symptoms and frequency of this common infection. The findings, if confirmed, could have implications for the development of new drugs to treat outbreaks. ... > full story

Curiosity is critical to academic performance (October 28, 2011) -- Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it's good for the student. Personality traits like curiosity seem to be as important as intelligence in determining how well students do in school, according to new research. ... > full story

Programming cells to home in on specific tissues may enable more effective cell-based therapies (October 28, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a platform approach to chemically incorporate homing receptors onto the surface of cells. ... > full story

Through-the-nipple breast cancer therapy shows promise in early tests (October 28, 2011) -- Delivering anticancer drugs into breast ducts via the nipple is highly effective in animal models of early breast cancer, and has no major side effects in human patients, according to a new study. The results of the study are expected to lead to more advanced clinical trials of so-called intraductal treatment for early breast cancer. ... > full story

How cannabis causes 'cognitive chaos' in the brain (October 28, 2011) -- Cannabis use is associated with disturbances in concentration and memory. New research by neuroscientists in the UK has found that brain activity becomes uncoordinated and inaccurate during these altered states of mind, leading to neurophysiological and behavioral impairments reminiscent of those seen in schizophrenia. ... > full story

New 'scarless' surgery takes out tumors through natural skull opening (October 28, 2011) -- A technique developed by surgeons is providing a new route to get to and remove tumors buried at the base of the skull: through the natural hole behind the molars, above the jawbone and beneath the cheekbone. ... > full story

New pathway critical to heart arrhythmia discovered (October 28, 2011) -- Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown molecular pathway that is critical to understanding cardiac arrhythmia and other heart muscle problems. Understanding the basic science of heart and muscle function could open the door to new treatments. The study examined the electrical impulses that coordinate contraction in heart and skeletal muscles, controlling heart rate. These impulses are key to health conditions like paralysis, muscle relaxation and heart arrhythmia. ... > full story

Rising to a global health challenge, students coax yeast cells to add vitamins to bread (October 28, 2011) -- Any way you slice it, bread that contains critical nutrients could help combat malnutrition in impoverished regions. That is the goal of a group of undergraduate students who are enhancing common yeast so that it makes vitamin-producing bread. ... > full story

New drug targets revealed from giant parasitic worm genome sequence (October 28, 2011) -- Scientists have identified the genetic blueprint of the giant intestinal roundworm, Ascaris suum, revealing potential targets to control the devastating parasitic disease ascariasis, which affects more than one billion people in China, South East Asia, South America and parts of Africa, killing thousands of people annually and causing chronic effects in young children. ... > full story

Use of over-the-counter thyroid support pills is risky, researcher finds (October 28, 2011) -- People who use over-the-counter "thyroid support'' supplements may be putting their health at risk, according to a new study. The supplements contain varying amounts of two different kinds of thyroid hormones apparently derived in large part from chopped up animal thyroid glands, says an endocrinologist. ... > full story