ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Thursday, January 19, 2012

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Thursday, January 19, 2012

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Saving dogs with spinal cord injuries (January 19, 2012) -- Dogs with spinal cord injuries may soon benefit from an experimental drug currently being tested by researchers — work that they hope will one day help people with similar injuries. ... > full story

Diabetic mice provide a surprising breakthrough for multiple sclerosis research (January 19, 2012) -- Scientists have discovered that when mice with diabetes are injected with a specific protein, they experience the same brain lesions and disabilities that occur in human MS patients. Monitoring this brain lesion process through magnetic resonance imaging, scientists say they're on the path to treating MS more effectively. ... > full story

Novel gene mutations associated with bile duct cancer (January 19, 2012) -- Investigators have identified a new genetic signature associated with bile duct cancer, a usually deadly tumor for which effective treatment currently is limited. ... > full story

Songbird brain synapses and glial cells capable of synthesizing estrogen (January 19, 2012) -- A biology professor has detailed previously undiscovered ways songbirds can produce estrogen in their brains. ... > full story

Unhappy at work? The boss or the company may be to blame (January 19, 2012) -- If our psychological needs at work are met, we are more likely to be happy. If you are unhappy at work, it could be partly due to your boss' management style, according to a new study. Both over-controlling managers who use threats as a way to motivate employees, and organizations that do not appear to value individuals' contributions, frustrate our basic needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness (how we relate to others). This, in turn, is likely to have a negative impact on our well-being at work. ... > full story

Explaining heart failure as a cause of diabetes (January 19, 2012) -- Either heart failure or diabetes alone is bad enough, but oftentimes the two conditions seem to go together. Now, researchers appear to have found the culprit that leads from heart failure to diabetes and perhaps a novel way to break that metabolic vicious cycle. ... > full story

Important gene-regulation proteins pinpointed by new method (January 19, 2012) -- A novel technique precisely pinpoints the location of proteins that read and regulate chromosomes. The order of these proteins determines whether a brain cell, a liver cell, or a cancer cell is formed. Until now, it has been exceedingly difficult to determine exactly where such proteins bind to the chromosome, and therefore how they work. The new technique has the potential to take high-resolution snapshots of proteins as they regulate or miss-regulate an entire genome. ... > full story

Alarm clock monitors brain and wakes you in a time window when you will rouse easily (January 19, 2012) -- Researchers have developed an alarm clock that monitors your brain activity and triggers its alarm within a time window you set in advance but only when your brain is in a more easily roused state rather than deep sleep. ... > full story

Study maps destructive path from cigarette to emphysema (January 18, 2012) -- Scientists described the track the toxic smoke takes through the tissues and how they accomplish their destructive work. ... > full story

Genetic predisposition to disease common in two supercentenarians (January 18, 2012) -- The first-ever published whole-genome sequences of not just one, but two supercentenarians, aged more than 114 years, reveal that both unusual and common genetic phenomena contribute to the genetic background of extreme human longevity. Data from the study will be available to researchers around the world at the NIH data repository. ... > full story

Good intentions ease pain, add to pleasure (January 18, 2012) -- A nurse's tender loving care really does ease the pain of a medical procedure, and grandma's cookies really do taste better, if we perceive them to be made with love -- suggests newly published research. The findings have many real-world applications, including in medicine, relationships, parenting and business. ... > full story

Nicotine patch shows benefits in mild cognitive impairment, study suggests (January 18, 2012) -- Using a nicotine patch may help improve mild memory loss in older adults, according to a new study. ... > full story

No walk in the park: Factors that predict walking difficulty in elderly (January 18, 2012) -- Researchers have found that the likelihood of becoming disabled with age increases with the following factors: having a chronic condition or cognitive impairment; low physical activity; slower gross motor coordination; having poor lower-extremity function; and being hospitalized. Women are also more likely than men to become disabled in their later years. ... > full story

'Women worse at math than men' explanation scientifically incorrect, experts say (January 18, 2012) -- Researchers have conducted a review that casts doubt on the accuracy of a popular theory that attempted to explain why there are more men than women in top levels of mathematical fields. The researchers found that numerous studies claiming that the stereotype, "men are better at math" – believed to undermine women's math performance – had major methodological flaws, utilized improper statistical techniques, and many studies had no scientific evidence of this stereotype. ... > full story

Scientists create novel RNA repair technology (January 18, 2012) -- Scientists have identified a compound that can help repair a specific type of defect in RNA, a type of genetic material. The methods in the new study could accelerate the development of therapeutics to treat a variety of incurable diseases such as Huntington’s disease, Spinocerebellar ataxia, and Kennedy disease. ... > full story

Contact lenses provide extended pain relief to laser eye surgery patients (January 18, 2012) -- Scientists are reporting development of contact lenses that could provide a continuous supply of anesthetic medication to the eyes of patients who undergo laser eye surgery -- an advance that could relieve patients of the burden of repeatedly placing drops of medicine into their eyes every few hours for several days. ... > full story

Broken arm? Brain shifts quickly when using a sling or cast (January 18, 2012) -- Using a sling or cast after injuring an arm may cause your brain to shift quickly to adjust, according to a new study. The study found increases in the size of brain areas that were compensating for the injured side, and decreases in areas that were not being used due to the cast or sling. ... > full story

First link between potentially toxic PFCs in office air and in office workers' blood (January 18, 2012) -- In a first-of-its-kind study, scientists are reporting that the indoor air in offices is an important source of worker exposure to potentially toxic substances released by carpeting, furniture, paint and other items. Their report documents a link between levels of these so-called polyfluorinated compounds in office air and in the blood of workers. ... > full story

Ulcer-causing bacteria baffled by mucus: Researchers discover impact of viscoelasticity on collective behavior of swimming microorganisms (January 18, 2012) -- A new study demonstrates how introducing certain polymers—like those found in human mucus and saliva—into an aquatic environment makes it significantly more difficult for ulcer-causing bacteria and other microorganisms to coordinate. ... > full story

Nicotine replacement therapies may not be effective in helping people quit smoking (January 18, 2012) -- Nicotine replacement therapies designed to help people stop smoking, specifically nicotine patches and nicotine gum, do not appear to be effective in helping smokers quit long-term, even when combined with smoking cessation counseling, according to a new study. ... > full story

Lack of sleep makes your brain hungry (January 18, 2012) -- New research shows that a specific brain region that contributes to a person’s appetite sensation is more activated in response to food images after one night of sleep loss than after one night of normal sleep. Poor sleep habits can therefore affect people’s risk of becoming overweight in the long run. ... > full story

Diet counts: Iron intake in teen years can impact brain in later life (January 18, 2012) -- Researchers have found that a lack of iron in the diet during the teenage years can have a negative impact on the brain years later, making the brain more susceptible to such disorders as Alzheimer's. Further, the researchers have identified a common set of genes that influence both iron and brain structure. ... > full story

Researchers map potential genetic origins, pathways of lung cancer in never-smokers (January 18, 2012) -- Researchers have begun to identify which mutations and pathway changes lead to lung cancer in never-smokers -- a first step in developing potential therapeutic targets. ... > full story

How the brain puts the brakes on negative impact of cocaine (January 18, 2012) -- New research provides fascinating insight into a newly discovered brain mechanism that limits the rewarding impact of cocaine. The study describes protective delayed mechanism that turns off the genes that support the development of addiction-related behaviors. The findings may lead to a better understanding of vulnerability to addiction and as well as new strategies for treatment. ... > full story

Why coffee drinking reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes (January 18, 2012) -- Why do heavy coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, a disease on the increase around the world that can lead to serious health problems? Scientists are now offering a new solution to that long-standing mystery, ... > full story

Increase dietary fiber, decrease disease (January 18, 2012) -- We should all be eating more dietary fiber to improve our health -- that's the message from a health review by scientists in India. Researchers suggest fruit, vegetables, whole-grain foods, such as muesli and porridge, beans and pulses, as readily available foods rich in dietary fiber. ... > full story

Gossip can have social and psychological benefits (January 18, 2012) -- For centuries, gossip has been dismissed as salacious, idle chatter that can damage reputations and erode trust. But a new study suggests rumor-mongering can have positive outcomes such as helping us police bad behavior, prevent exploitation and lower stress. ... > full story

Intestinal worms may help promote healing (January 18, 2012) -- Intestinal worm infections may not be all bad, according to a new study. In research on mice immune reaction to the presence of intestinal worms was found to promote wound healing in the lungs. ... > full story

Precancer markers identified in airway epithelium cells of healthy smokers (January 18, 2012) -- Smokers are more likely to have molecular features of cancerization in the large airway epithelium. Smokers with COPD had significant changes in the small airway epithelium, new research has shown. New findings could lead to development of a diagnostic test. ... > full story

When co-workers are treated poorly: 'I feel your pain ...' (January 18, 2012) -- According to a new study, workers who witness incivility towards colleagues feel negative emotions -- especially when the incivility is aimed at workers of the same sex. The work is the first to look at the relationship between employees' observations of incivility towards same gender coworkers and negative emotions. ... > full story

Dietary DHA linked to male fertility (January 18, 2012) -- A certain omega-3 fatty acid is necessary to construct the arch that turns a round, immature sperm cell into a pointy-headed super swimmer with an extra long tail, according to new research. The study shows that docosahexaenoic acid is essential in fusing the building blocks of the acrosome together. The acrosome is critical in fertilization because it houses, organizes, and concentrates a variety of enzymes that sperm use to penetrate an egg. ... > full story

New way to learn about -- and potentially block -- traits in harmful pathogens (January 18, 2012) -- Researchers have developed a new way to identify the genes of harmful microbes, particularly those that have been difficult to study in the laboratory. ... > full story

Inflammation may link obesity and adverse pregnancy outcomes (January 18, 2012) -- A number of different immunological mechanisms ensure the successful establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Imbalance in these mechanisms is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Researchers have now examined the impact of maternal obesity on the inflammatory responses in tissues of both the mother and the child. ... > full story

Treatment for diabetes and depression improves both, researchers say (January 18, 2012) -- Patients simultaneously treated for both Type 2 diabetes and depression improve medication compliance and significantly improve blood sugar and depression levels compared to patients receiving usual care, according to a new study. ... > full story

Master controller of memory identified (January 17, 2012) -- One gene appears to regulate the brain's ability to form new memories. ... > full story

Study reveals origins of esophageal cancer (January 17, 2012) -- Researchers have identified the critical early cellular and molecular events that give rise to a type of esophageal cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma, the fastest-rising solid tumor in the United States. The findings challenge conventional wisdom regarding the origin and development of this deadly cancer and its precursor lesion, Barrett's esophagus, and highlight possible targets for new clinical therapies. ... > full story

Marijuana use associated with cyclic vomiting syndrome in young males (January 17, 2012) -- Researchers have found clear associations between marijuana use in young males and cyclic vomiting syndrome, where patients experience episodes of vomiting separated by symptom-free intervals. ... > full story

Combination therapy shows positive response for children with ADHD (January 17, 2012) -- The first randomized placebo-controlled trial designed to assess efficacy and safety of guanfacine extended release as an adjunct to psychostimulants in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD who had a suboptimal response to a psychostimulant alone has just been published. ... > full story

Boost for health? Researchers isolate protein linking exercise to health benefits (January 17, 2012) -- Scientists have isolated a natural hormone from muscle cells that triggers some of the key health benefits of exercise. The hormone, named irisin, switches on genes that convert white fat into "good" brown fat. The researchers call irisin a highly promising candidate for development as a novel treatment for diabetes, obesity and perhaps other disorders, including cancer. ... > full story

Natural enzyme provides potential new approach for treating graft-vs.-host disease (January 17, 2012) -- A natural enzyme derived from human blood plasma showed potential in significantly reducing the effects of graft-vs.-host disease, a common and deadly side effect of lifesaving bone marrow transplants. ... > full story

Chemotherapy may influence leukemia relapse (January 17, 2012) -- The chemotherapy drugs required to push a common form of adult leukemia into remission may contribute to DNA damage that can lead to a relapse of the disease in some patients, findings of a new study suggest. ... > full story

The illusion of courage: Why people mispredict their behavior in embarrassing situations (January 17, 2012) -- Whether it's investing in stocks, bungee jumping or public speaking, why do we often plan to take risks but then "chicken out" when the moment of truth arrives? Scientists argue that this "illusion of courage" is one example of an "empathy gap" -- that is, our inability to imagine how we will behave in future emotional situations. ... > full story

How the brain computes 3-dimensional structure (January 17, 2012) -- The ability of our brain to create a 3D representation from an object's 2D projection on the retina is not well understood and is likely to be highly complex. Now, new research provides the first direct evidence that specific brain areas underlie perception of different 3D structures and sheds light the way that the primate brain reconstructs real-world objects. ... > full story

Gene crucial to normal development of lungs and brain: Discovery may lead to new ways to replace damaged lung tissues with stem cells (January 17, 2012) -- Scientists have identified a gene that tells cells to develop multiple cilia, tiny hair-like structures that move fluids through the lungs and brain. The finding may help scientists generate new therapies that use stem cells to replace damaged tissues in the lung and other organs. ... > full story

Inflammation in depression: Chicken or egg? (January 17, 2012) -- An important ongoing debate in the field of psychiatry is whether inflammation in the body is a consequence of or contributor to major depression. A new study has attempted to resolve the issue. ... > full story

Planned actions improve the way we process information (January 17, 2012) -- Preparing to act in a particular way can improve the way we process information, and this has potential implications for those with learning disabilities. Researchers have shown that using a grabbing action with our hands can help our processing of visual information. ... > full story

Short, sharp shock treatment for E. coli (January 17, 2012) -- A short burst of low voltage alternating current can effectively eradicate E. coli bacteria growing on the surface of even heavily contaminated beef, according to a new study. The technique offers an inexpensive and easy to implement approach to reducing the risk of food poisoning, which can occur despite handlers complying with hygiene standards. ... > full story

Breast cancer spread triggered by a cleaver-wielding protein on cancer cell's surface (January 17, 2012) -- Scientists have exposed a cell pathway that breast tumor cells use to destruct local tissue neighborhood. Cancer cells may use this pathway to free themselves from mammary epithelial tissue architecture, to spread to surrounding tissues. The cell pathway, the researchers found, is a biochemical chain of events leading to activation of a protein-cleaving enzyme on the surface of the tumor cells. ... > full story