ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Monday, October 31, 2011

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Monday, October 31, 2011

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Regular aspirin intake halves cancer risk, study finds (October 30, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered that taking regular aspirin halves the risk of developing hereditary cancers. The study -- which followed nearly 1,000 patients, in some cases for over 10 years -- found that those who had been taking a regular dose of aspirin had 50 per cent fewer incidents of hereditary cancer compared with those who were not taking aspirin. ... > full story

Intestinal stem cells respond to food by supersizing the gut (October 30, 2011) -- Many organs, from muscles and intestines to the liver, change size during adulthood. A new study shows that adult stem cells are key to these changes. Working with fruit flies, biologists discovered that after eating, the gut secretes insulin that activates stem cells into overdrive to grow the gut. In flies, the midgut can quadruple in size within four days. The finding could have implications for diabetes and obesity in humans. ... > full story

New findings contradict dominant theory in Alzheimer's disease (October 30, 2011) -- For decades the amyloid hypothesis has dominated the research field in Alzheimer’s disease. The theory describes how an increase in secreted beta-amyloid peptides leads to the formation of plaques, toxic clusters of damaged proteins between cells, which eventually result in neurodegeneration. Scientists have now presented a study that turns this premise on its head. The research group’s data offers an opposite hypothesis, suggesting that it is in fact the neurons’ inability to secrete beta-amyloid that is at the heart of pathogenesis in Alzheimer’s disease. ... > full story

Speedy 3-D X-rays in the operating room (October 30, 2011) -- Having an operation always places strain on patients, and this is especially true of complicated operations. Surgeons use 3-D X-rays to check the results before the patient has left the operating room. This does help to avoid possible complications, but it also means interrupting the surgery. Researchers are now developing a 3-D X-ray system that can be integrated seamlessly into operating procedure – with no more forced interruptions. ... > full story

Belief in God cuts two ways, study finds (October 30, 2011) -- Being reminded of the concept of God can decrease people's motivation to pursue personal goals but can help them resist temptation, according to new research. ... > full story

Novel strategy stymies SARS and other viruses: Versatile inhibitor prevents viral replication (October 30, 2011) -- Broad-spectrum antiviral drugs are urgently needed but have so far eluded discovery. Researchers have now identified a new point of attack. Moreover, they show that targeting of this molecule inhibits the growth of a wide range of viruses, including the SARS virus – at least in cell culture. ... > full story

Fertility chip measures concentration and motility of sperm (October 30, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a “fertility chip” that can accurately count sperm and measure their motility. The chip can be inserted into a compact device for one-off use. A home test kit will soon make it possible for men to test their sperm in a familiar environment. As a result, there is a greater chance of obtaining a correct diagnosis, also the method is simple and inexpensive. ... > full story

Manual wheelchair use, exercise and calorie burning examined (October 30, 2011) -- A person who uses a manual wheelchair can burn up to 120 calories in half an hour while wheeling at 2 mph on a flat surface, which is three times as much as someone doing the same action in a motorized wheelchair. ... > full story

'New paradigm' in the way drugs can be manufactured: New method to build important heparin drug (October 30, 2011) -- Researchers working to change forever the way some of the most widely used drugs in the world are manufactured have announced an important step toward making this a reality. ... > full story

Poorer countries, those spending less on health care have more strokes, deaths (October 30, 2011) -- Poorer countries and those that spend less on health care have greater incidences of stroke and stroke death than wealthier nations, according to new research. Stroke patients in poorer countries were more likely to be younger and to have hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in or near the brain bursts. The findings emphasize the importance of preventing stroke risk factors, especially in developing countries. ... > full story

Python study may have implications for human heart health (October 29, 2011) -- A surprising new study shows that huge amounts of fatty acids circulating in the bloodstreams of feeding pythons promote healthy heart growth, results that may have implications for treating human heart disease. ... > full story

Activating brown fat: Research finding may lead to new treatments for obesity and Type 2 diabetes (October 29, 2011) -- Activating a specialized type of fat, known as brown adipose tissue, may help combat obesity as well as result in better glucose control for Type 2 diabetes, according to new research. ... > full story

How motherhood behavior is influenced by alterations in brain function (October 29, 2011) -- Instinctive mothering behavior towards care of newborns has long been recognized as a phenomenon in humans and animals, but now research has shown that motherhood is associated with the acquisition of a host of new behaviors that are driven, at least in part, by alterations in brain function. ... > full story

A 3-D reconstructed image of neural dendritic trees using the advanced electron microscope technology (October 29, 2011) -- Scientists have revealed the minute properties of dendritic trees by reconstructing 3-D images using the advanced electron microscope technology. The research team demonstrated the principle that "neurons normalize receiving signals, making it easier to receive farther signals because of the morphological characteristics of dendritic trees." ... > full story

Heavy drinking undergraduates who are impulsive, aggressive may be at high risk for alcohol problems (October 29, 2011) -- Researchers used an anonymous online survey to examine drinking patterns and personality traits. Results identified three groups, two of which drank at fairly high levels. The group with higher levels of impulsivity and aggression appears most at-risk for future alcohol problems. ... > full story

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

Study offers clues as to why some patients get infections from cardiac implants (October 28, 2011) -- New research suggests that some patients develop a potentially deadly blood infection from their implanted cardiac devices because bacterial cells in their bodies have gene mutations that allow them to stick to the devices. Patients with implants can develop infections because of a biofilm of persistent bacterial bugs on the surfaces of their devices. ... > full story

Children suffer unnecessarily from chronic postoperative pain (October 28, 2011) -- Are children suffering needlessly after surgery? Anesthesiologists who specialize in pediatric care believe so. ... > full story

Building better HIV antibodies: Biologists create neutralizing antibody that shows increased potency (October 28, 2011) -- Using highly potent antibodies isolated from HIV-positive people, researchers have recently begun to identify ways to broadly neutralize the many possible subtypes of HIV. Now, a team of biologists has built upon one of these naturally occurring antibodies to create a stronger version they believe is a better candidate for clinical applications. ... > full story

Study hints at possible therapeutic strategy to combat premature birth (October 28, 2011) -- Scientists who developed a novel mouse model mimicking human preterm labor have described a molecular signaling pathway underlying preterm birth and targeted it to stop the problem. In a new study, the researchers report their findings may lead to new strategies for combating this major global health issue in humans. ... > full story

New oncolytic virus shows improved effectiveness in preclinical testing (October 28, 2011) -- A new fourth-generation oncolytic virus designed to both kill cancer cells and inhibit blood-vessel growth has shown greater effectiveness than earlier versions when tested in animal models. The virus is being developed as a treatment for glioblastoma, the most common and deadly form of brain cancer. The new virus improved survival of mice with transplanted human glioblastoma tumors by 50 percent in a majority of cases compared with the previous-generation oncolytic virus. ... > full story

Additional investments in youth needed as world population tops 7 billion, states United Nations report (October 28, 2011) -- In five days, world population is projected to reach 7 billion. How we respond now will determine whether we have a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future or one that is marked by inequalities, environmental decline and economic setbacks, according to The State of World Population 2011 report, published Oct. 26, 2011 by the United Nations Population Fund. ... > full story

Brain scans reveal drugs' effects on attention (October 28, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a way to evaluate new treatments for some forms of attention deficit disorder. Working in mice, researchers showed that they can use brain scans to quickly test whether drugs increase levels of a brain chemical known as dopamine. ... > full story

Progeria: Promising results from new gene therapy on animals (October 28, 2011) -- Huge progress has been made over the last few years in scientific research into progeria, a disease that leads to premature aging in children. In 2003, a team directed by Nicolas Lévy discovered the gene, and, in 2008, 12 children were able to begin clinical trials in which two molecules were combined to slow down the characteristic effects of the disease: premature aging. Researchers are continuing their efforts in an attempt to counter the consequences of the genetic defect that causes progeria. ... > full story

Cheaper and easier isn't necessarily better in new colon cancer screening procedures (October 28, 2011) -- The growing use of fecal immunochemical testing for colorectal cancer, "misses opportunities for cancer prevention," experts say. ... > full story

Issues faced by friends and family of the suicidal (October 28, 2011) -- A study focusing on the family and friends of people who were suicidal has highlighted the main challenges they face when trying to judge whether a person is in danger and decide what they should do about it. ... > full story

Exercise eases arthritis in obese mice even without weight loss (October 27, 2011) -- Adding another incentive to exercise, scientists have found that physical activity improves arthritis symptoms even among obese mice that continue to chow down on a high-fat diet. ... > full story

Strides made toward drug therapy for inherited kidney disease (October 27, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered that patients with an inherited kidney disease may be helped by a drug that is currently available for other uses. ... > full story

Clinical trial shows first evidence that anal cancer is preventable (October 27, 2011) -- A large, international clinical trial indicates that a vaccine to prevent anal cancer is safe and effective, according to a new study. ... > full story

Quantum dots cast light on biomedical processes (October 27, 2011) -- The light emitted by quantum dots is both more intense and longer lasting than that produced by the fluorescent markers commonly used in medical and biological applications. Yet these nano-scale light sources still suffer from one major drawback: they do not dissolve in water. Researchers in the Netherlands and Singapore have found a way to remedy this. They have developed a coating which allows quantum dots to be used inside the human body, even inside living cells. ... > full story

Independent life after a death: Spousal death can lead to loss of independent living for seniors (October 27, 2011) -- The death of a spouse is always a tragedy, but for seniors, that tragedy can spur some significant life changes. And one researcher says, the choices they make are something policymakers need to pay attention to. ... > full story

More evidence that allergies may help in fighting brain tumors (October 27, 2011) -- Subjects with somewhat elevated levels of antibodies produced to fight allergens were less likely to go on to develop brain tumors, according to a new study. The study adds to evidence from prior studies, but some questions still remain. ... > full story

Cancer: Molecule found to inhibit metastasis in colon and melanoma cancers (October 27, 2011) -- Researchers have shown that a protein can inhibit metastasis of colon and melanoma cancers. CXCL12 proteins effectively blocked metastasis of the colon cancer and dramatically improved survival time, with the dimer showing effectiveness in blocking melanoma metastasis as well, a new study shows. ... > full story

Vivid descriptions of faces 'don't have to go into detail' (October 27, 2011) -- Celebrated writers such as Charles Dickens and George Eliot described characters' faces vividly without going into detail about their features, according to researchers. ... > full story

Natural intestinal flora involved in the emergence of multiple sclerosis, study finds (October 27, 2011) -- Multiple sclerosis is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For a long time, pathogens were believed to be such external influences. According to scientists from Germany, however, it is apparently not harmful bacteria that trigger multiple sclerosis, but beneficial ones -- specifically, the natural intestinal flora, which every human being needs for digestion. The researchers discovered that genetically modified mice develop an inflammation in the brain similar to the human disease if they have normal bacterial intestinal flora. The microorganisms begin by activating the immune system's T cells and, in a further step, the B immune cells. ... > full story

Laser's precision and simplicity could revolutionize cataract surgery (October 27, 2011) -- Two new studies add to the growing body of evidence that a new approach to cataract surgery may be safer and more efficient than today's standard procedure. The new approach, using a special femtosecond laser, is FDA-approved, but not yet widely available in the United States. ... > full story

High blood pressure in early pregnancy raises risk of birth defects, irrespective of medication, study finds (October 27, 2011) -- Women with high blood pressure (hypertension) in the early stages of pregnancy are more likely to have babies with birth defects, irrespective of commonly prescribed medicines for their condition, finds new research. ... > full story