ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Friday, November 4, 2011

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Friday, November 4, 2011

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Exercise provides clue to deadly ataxia (November 4, 2011) -- When researchers prescribed mild exercise for mice with a neurodegenerative disorder called spinocerebellar ataxia 1, they did not know what to expect. What they found was the mice that exercised lived longer than those that had not. ... > full story

Scientists identify gene critical for cell responses to oxygen deprivation (November 4, 2011) -- Scientists have identified a protein that kick-starts the response to low levels of oxygen, suggesting new lines of research relevant to a variety of potentially fatal disorders associated with diminished oxygen supply, including cancer, heart disease, stroke and other neurological conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. ... > full story

Report calls for creation of a biomedical research and patient data network for more accurate classification of diseases, move toward 'precision medicine' (November 4, 2011) -- A new data network that integrates emerging research on the molecular makeup of diseases with clinical data on individual patients could drive the development of a more accurate classification of disease and ultimately enhance diagnosis and treatment. ... > full story

Impulsive versus controlled men: Disinhibited brains and disinhibited behavior (November 4, 2011) -- Impulsive individuals tend to display aggressive behavior and have challenges ranging from drug and alcohol abuse, to problem gambling and difficult relationships. They are less able to adapt to different social situations. Impulsivity is also a common feature of psychiatric disorders. New research shows that people may react this way, in part, because they have lower levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter, in a specific part of their brain involved in regulating self-control. ... > full story

X marks the spot: TBL1X gene involved in autism spectrum disorder (November 4, 2011) -- Autism spectrum disorder affects about one in 100 children resulting in a range of problems in language, communication and understanding other people's emotional cues, all of which can lead to difficulties in social situations. New research used genome wide association study data to find a variation in the gene for transducin beta-like 1X-linked (TBL1X) which is associated with increased risk of ASD in boys. ... > full story

Dormant malaria parsites in red blood cells may contribute to treatment failure, study suggests (November 4, 2011) -- Researchers have shown for the first time in a rodent model that the earliest form of malaria parasites can lay dormant in red blood cells and "wake up," or recover, following treatment with the antimalarial drug artesunate. ... > full story

Study identifies an expanded role for PKM2 in helping cancer cells survive (November 4, 2011) -- In recent years, the field of cancer metabolism has found that cancer cells can manipulate the PKM2 enzyme to grow and thrive. Now a new study finds that cancers also use PKM2 to withstand oxidative stress. ... > full story

Fast-food dining is most popular for those with middle incomes (November 4, 2011) -- A new national study of eating out and income shows that fast-food dining becomes more common as earnings increase from low to middle incomes, weakening the popular notion that fast food should be blamed for higher rates of obesity among the poor. ... > full story

Brain cells responsible for keeping us awake identified (November 3, 2011) -- Researchers have identified the group of neurons that mediates whether light arouses us and keeps us awake, or not. They report that the cells necessary for a light induced arousal response are located in the hypothalamus, an area at the base of the brain responsible for, among other things, control of the autonomic nervous system, body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue -- and sleep. ... > full story

Newborn period may be crucial time to prevent later diabetes, animal study suggests (November 3, 2011) -- Pediatric researchers who tested newborn animals with an existing human drug used in adults with diabetes report that this drug, when given very early in life, prevents diabetes from developing in adult animals. If this finding can be repeated in humans, it may become a way to prevent at-risk infants from developing Type 2 diabetes. ... > full story

Thousands of lives could be saved if rest of UK adopted average diet in England, study concludes (November 3, 2011) -- Around 4,000 deaths could be prevented every year if the UK population adopted the average diet eaten in England, new research concludes. ... > full story

Family-based intervention: Study shows promise for teen suicide prevention (November 3, 2011) -- A new study shows that a family-based intervention done while a suicidal youth is still being treated in the emergency room as successful in linking troubled youths to outpatient treatment, with the goal of ending further life-threatening attempts. ... > full story

Adolescent amphetamine use linked to permanent changes in brain function and behavior (November 3, 2011) -- Amphetamine use in adolescence can cause neurobiological imbalances and increase risk-taking behavior, and these effects can persist into adulthood, even when subjects are drug free. These are the conclusions of a new study using animal models. The study is one of the first to shed light on how long-term amphetamine use in adolescence affects brain chemistry and behavior. ... > full story

Fertilized oocytes digest paternal mitochondria (November 3, 2011) -- During fertilization, the entire spermatozoon enters the oocyte. However, most of its organelles, including mitochondria, are not transmitted to the offspring. A new study demonstrates for the first time how the spermatozoon organelles are digested by the oocyte shortly after fertilization. These findings could improve cloning and medically-assisted reproductive technology and help to better understand the evolutionary origin of the elimination of paternal mitochondria. ... > full story

Unsaturated fat breakdown leads to complications of acute pancreatitis in obese patients (November 3, 2011) -- The toxic breakdown products of unsaturated fats contribute to the higher likelihood of severe inflammation, cell death and multi-system organ failure among acute pancreatitis patients who are obese, say researchers Their findings provide new insight into how fat can induce complications after sudden inflammatory, non-infectious illnesses. ... > full story

Get lost easily? The cerebellum is your navigation assistant (November 3, 2011) -- The cerebellum is far more intensively involved in helping us navigate than previously thought. To move and learn effectively in spatial environments our brain, and particularly our hippocampus, creates a "cognitive" map of the environment. The cerebellum contributes to the creation of this map through altering the chemical communication between its neurons. If this ability is inactivated, the brain is no longer able to to create an effective spatial representation and thus navigation in an environment becomes impaired, new research shows. ... > full story

Gene therapy shows promise as hemophilia treatment in animal studies (November 3, 2011) -- For the first time, researchers have combined gene therapy and stem cell transplantation to successfully reverse the severe, crippling bleeding disorder hemophilia A in large animals, opening the door to the development of new therapies for human patients. ... > full story

Chromosomal 'breakpoints' linked to canine cancer (November 3, 2011) -- Researchers have uncovered evidence that evolutionary "breakpoints" on canine chromosomes are also associated with canine cancer. Mapping these "fragile" regions in dogs may also have implications for the discovery and treatment of human cancers. ... > full story

High blood pressure may lead to missed emotional cues (November 3, 2011) -- Your ability to recognize emotional content in faces and texts is linked to your blood pressure, according to new research. ... > full story

Continuous use of nitroglycerin increases severity of heart attacks, study shows (November 3, 2011) -- When given for hours as a continuous dose, the heart medication nitroglycerin backfires -- increasing the severity of subsequent heart attacks, according to a study of the compound in rats. ... > full story

Scientists outline steps toward Epstein-Barr virus vaccine (November 3, 2011) -- Epstein-Barr virus infects nine out of ten people worldwide at some point during their lifetimes. Infections in early childhood often cause no disease symptoms, but people infected during adolescence or young adulthood may develop infectious mononucleosis, a disease characterized by swollen lymph nodes, fever and severe fatigue. ... > full story

Rich club in the human brain? (November 3, 2011) -- Just as the Occupy Wall Street movement has brought more attention to financial disparities between the haves and have-nots in American society, researchers are highlighting the disproportionate influence of so called "rich clubs" within the human brain. One researcher described the select, highly connected brain regions as the "G8 summit of our brain." ... > full story

Nicotine as a gateway drug: Biological mechanism in mice identified (November 3, 2011) -- A landmark study in mice identifies a biological mechanism that could help explain how tobacco products could act as gateway drugs, increasing a person's future likelihood of abusing cocaine and perhaps other drugs as well, according to researchers. The study is the first to show that nicotine might prime the brain to enhance the behavioral effects of cocaine. ... > full story

New material for air cleaner filters that captures flu viruses (November 3, 2011) -- With flu season just around the corner, scientists are reporting development of a new material for the fiber in face masks, air conditioning filters and air cleaning filters that captures influenza viruses before they can get into people's eyes, noses and mouths and cause infection. ... > full story

Fast high precision eye-surgery robot developed (November 3, 2011) -- A researcher in The Netherlands has developed a smart eye-surgery robot that allows eye surgeons to operate with increased ease and greater precision on the retina and the vitreous humor of the eye. The system also extends the effective period during which ophthalmologists can carry out these intricate procedures. ... > full story

Rude people have better credit scores, study suggests (November 3, 2011) -- Researchers have showcased the link between credit ratings and an individual's personality, and shown no connection between poor credit scores and theft. ... > full story

New medication effectively treats underlying cause of cystic fibrosis in some patients, study shows (November 3, 2011) -- A new study has confirmed that the drug, ivacaftor (VX-770), significantly improves lung function in some people with cystic fibrosis. The oral medicine targets the defective protein produced by the gene mutation called G551D that causes CF. Researchers found that patients carrying G551D -- approximately four per cent of all CF patients -- who were treated with VX-770 showed a 17 per cent relative improvement in lung function that was sustained over the course of 48 weeks. ... > full story

Women's chin, abdomen are good indicators of excessive hair growth (November 3, 2011) -- Examining the chin and upper and lower abdomen is a reliable, minimally invasive way to screen for excessive hair growth in women, a key indicator of too much male hormone, researchers report. ... > full story

Autistic people superior in multiple areas: Scientists must stop emphasizing autistics' shortcomings, expert urges (November 3, 2011) -- We must stop considering the different brain structure of autistic individuals to be a deficiency, as research reveals that many autistics -- not just "savants" -- have qualities and abilities that may exceed those of people who do not have the condition, according to a provocative new article. ... > full story

Tactic to delay age-related disorders (November 3, 2011) -- Researchers have shown that eliminating cells that accumulate with age could prevent or delay the onset of age-related disorders and disabilities. The study, performed in mouse models, provides the first evidence that these "deadbeat" cells could contribute to aging and suggests a way to help people stay healthier as they age. ... > full story

Evolution offers clues to leading cause of death during childbirth (November 3, 2011) -- Unusual features of the human placenta may be the underlying cause of postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal deaths during childbirth, according to evolutionary research. ... > full story

Latitude variation in incidence of chronic digestive diseases (November 3, 2011) -- New research points to a potential role for UV light exposure and vitamin D levels in chronic digestive conditions; Crohn's disease, a serious inflammatory condition in the small intestine; and ulcerative colitis, which similarly affects the colon. ... > full story

Architecture and design help the brain recover (November 3, 2011) -- How does the hospital environment affect our rehabilitation? New research from Sweden into how the space around us affects the brain reveals that well-planned architecture, design and sensory stimulation increase patients' ability to recover both physically and mentally. Digital textiles and multisensory spaces can make rehabilitation more effective and reduce the amount of time spent in care. ... > full story

Chantix unsuitable for first-line smoking cessation use, study finds (November 3, 2011) -- The poor safety profile of the smoking-cessation drug varenicline (Chantix) makes it unsuitable for first-line use, according to a new study. Varenicline, which already carries a "black box warning" from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, showed a substantially increased risk of reported depression or suicidal behavior compared to other smoking-cessation treatments, according to researchers. ... > full story

Discovery helps explain progression of Lou Gehrig's disease, offers new therapy approach (November 3, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a previously unknown type of neural cell that appears to be closely linked to the progression of amytrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, that they believe will provide an important new approach to therapies. There is now no treatment for this disease, which causes progressive death of motor neurons, serious debility, paralysis and ultimately death within a few years. ... > full story

Exenatide (Byetta) has rapid, powerful anti-inflammatory effect, study shows (November 3, 2011) -- Exenatide, a drug commonly prescribed to help patients with Type 2 diabetes improve blood sugar control, also has a powerful and rapid anti-inflammatory effect, a new study has shown. ... > full story

More years to life and life to years through increased motivation for an active life (November 3, 2011) -- Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of suffering depression in old age. This is shown by one of the largest studies on elderly Europeans to have been carried out. Research also shows that self-determined motivation and perceived competence are important factors in persuading elderly people to exercise more. ... > full story

Steps being taken towards achieving an early diagnosis of cancer of the large intestine (November 3, 2011) -- A biochemist is finding clues that could lead to an early diagnosis of cancer of the large intestine. Specifically, she has focused on certain enzymes known as peptidases and their activity (working rate): she has studied how their activity changes by comparing the tissue encountered at different stages of the disease. ... > full story

Maternal separation stresses the baby, research finds (November 2, 2011) -- A woman goes into labor, and gives birth. The newborn is swaddled and placed to sleep in a nearby bassinet, or taken to the hospital nursery so that the mother can rest. Despite common practice, new research provides new evidence that separating infants from their mothers is stressful to the baby. ... > full story

Blood vessel mapping reveals four new 'ZIP codes'; Targeting specific addresses could help fight cancer, obesity and other diseases (November 2, 2011) -- A research team has discovered four new "ZIP codes" in their quest to map the vast blood vessel network of the human body. The study brings science one step closer to the goal of using the vascular system to personalize cancer therapy, as well as fight obesity, heart disease and other disorders. Researchers also found that some addresses are shared in vasculature across the board instead of always being organ-specific. ... > full story

First ever multi-cellular model of rare disease developed (November 2, 2011) -- Research groups worldwide have tried to develop a simple model of a rare, fatal disease called Zellweger's syndrome but none has succeeded, until researchers finally did so in fruit flies. ... > full story

Finding relief in ritual: A healthy dose of repetitive behavior reduces anxiety, says researcher (November 2, 2011) -- Repetitive behavior can be observed in captive animals, basketball players, and patients with OCD. Now a researcher has found that in all three cases, this behavior developed as a way to manage stress caused by our unpredictable and uncontrollable environments. ... > full story

Viral vector designed to treat a genetic form of blindness (November 2, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a viral vector designed to deliver a gene into the eyes of people born with an inherited, progressive form of blindness that affects mainly males. The vector is being tested in a clinical trial investigating the use of gene therapy to cure choroideremia, a disease that affects an estimated 100,000 people worldwide. ... > full story

Bilateral hand transplant performed (November 2, 2011) -- For the first time in the Delaware Valley region, a patient has undergone a complex and intricate transplant procedure that could significantly enhance the quality-of-life for persons with multiple limb loss. ... > full story

Obesity hormone adiponectin increases the risk of osteoporosis in the elderly, study finds (November 2, 2011) -- While obesity is a well-known cause of cardiovascular disease, research from Sweden has now revealed that one of the body's obesity-related hormones -- adiponectin -- is also linked to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures. ... > full story

Manufacturing microscale medical devices for faster tissue engineering (November 2, 2011) -- Researchers have modified a manufacturing technique called two-photon polymerization to create finely detailed micro-structures, such as scaffolds for tissue engineering, more quickly and efficiently than was previously possible. The new technique could help pave the way to more widespread clinical use of microscale medical devices. ... > full story

Overweight teens want to lose weight, going about it the wrong way (November 2, 2011) -- While a majority of teens report wanting to lose weight, many engage in behavior that's counterproductive to that goal, according to new research. ... > full story

Dopamine release in human brain tracked at microsecond timescale reveals decision-making (November 2, 2011) -- The first rapid measurements of dopamine release in a human brain have provided preliminary evidence that the neurotransmitter can be tracked in its movement between brain cells while a subject expresses decision-making behavior. ... > full story