ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Friday, January 27, 2012

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Friday, January 27, 2012

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How work tells muscles to grow (January 27, 2012) -- We take it for granted, but the fact that our muscles grow when we work them makes them rather unique. Now, researchers have identified a key ingredient needed for that bulking up to take place. A factor produced in working muscle fibers apparently tells surrounding muscle stem cell "higher ups" that it's time to multiply and join in, according to a new study. ... > full story

No more free rides for 'piggy-backing' viruses (January 27, 2012) -- Scientists have determined the structure of the enzyme endomannosidase, significantly advancing our understanding of how a group of devastating human viruses including HIV and Hepatitis C hijack human enzymes to reproduce and cause disease. ... > full story

School obesity programs may promote worrisome eating behaviors and physical activity in kids (January 27, 2012) -- A new report examines the possible association between school-based childhood obesity prevention programs and an increase in eating disorders among young children and adolescents. In a new poll, 30% of parents report at least one worrisome behavior in their children that could be associated with the development of eating disorders. ... > full story

Obesity and pain linked, study of one million Americans shows (January 27, 2012) -- A clear association between obesity and pain -- with higher rates of pain identified in the heaviest individuals -- was found in a study of more than one million Americans. ... > full story

Transcriptional elongation control takes on new dimensions as researchers find gene class-specific elongation factors (January 27, 2012) -- Life is complicated enough, so you can forgive the pioneers of DNA biology for glossing over transcriptional elongation control by RNA polymerase II, the quick and seemingly bulletproof penultimate step in the process that copies the information encoded in our DNA into protein-making instructions carried by messenger RNA. Researchers now not only add a new layer, but a whole new dimension to transcriptional elongation control with evidence that for each class of genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II (Pol II), there exists a specific class of elongation factors. ... > full story

Shoulder pain from using your iPad? Don't use it on your lap (January 27, 2012) -- The sudden popularity of tablet computers such as the Apple iPad has not allowed for the development of guidelines to optimize users' comfort and well-being. Researchers now report that head and neck posture during tablet computer use can be improved by placing the tablet higher to avoid low gaze angles, and through the use of a case that provides optimal viewing angles. ... > full story

Appetite accomplice: Ghrelin receptor alters dopamine signaling (January 26, 2012) -- New research reveals a fascinating and unexpected molecular partnership within the brain neurons that regulate appetite. The study resolves a paradox regarding a receptor without its hormone and may lead to more specific therapeutic interventions for obesity and disorders of dopamine signaling. ... > full story

Scientists map one of life's molecular mysteries: Visualisation of the molecular gateway across and into cellular membranes (January 26, 2012) -- All living organisms are made up of cells, behind these intricate life forms lie complex cellular processes that allow our bodies to function. Researchers working on protein secretion -- a fundamental process in biology -- have revealed how protein channels in the membrane are activated by special signals contained in proteins destined for secretion. The results help explain the underlying mechanism responsible for the release of proteins such as hormones and antibodies into the blood stream. ... > full story

Brachytherapy reduced death rates in high-risk prostate cancer patients, analysis finds (January 26, 2012) -- A population-based analysis looking at almost 13,000 cases revealed that men who received brachytherapy alone or in combination with external beam radiation therapy had significantly reduced mortality rates. ... > full story

Does the military make the man or does the man make the military? (January 26, 2012) -- "Be all you can be," the Army tells potential recruits. The military promises personal reinvention. But does it deliver? A new study finds that personality does change a little after military service -- German conscripts come out of the military less agreeable than their peers who chose civilian service. ... > full story

Mechanism sheds light on how the brain adapts to stress (January 26, 2012) -- Scientists now have a better understanding of the way that stress impacts the brain. New research reveals pioneering evidence for a new mechanism of stress adaptation and may eventually lead to a better understanding of why prolonged and repeated exposure to stress can lead to anxiety disorders and depression. ... > full story

Rotational motion of cells plays a critical role in their normal development, researchers find (January 26, 2012) -- Researchers have discovered a rotational motion that plays a critical role in the ability of breast cells to form the spherical structures in the mammary gland known as acini. This rotation, called "CAMo," for coherent angular motion, is necessary for the cells to form spheres. Otherwise, cells undergo random motion, leading to loss of structure and malignancy. ... > full story

Genetic screens bring new hope for tackling sleeping sickness (January 26, 2012) -- New genetic technique allows to look into the mechanism of action of the drugs used to treat sleeping sickness for the first time and to understand how resistance develops. ... > full story

Spotting dyslexia before a child starts school (January 26, 2012) -- Children at risk for dyslexia show differences in brain activity on MRI scans even before they begin learning to read, finds a new study. Since developmental dyslexia responds to early intervention, diagnosing children at risk before or during kindergarten could head off difficulties and frustration in school, the researchers say. ... > full story

Will you have a heart attack or stroke? (January 26, 2012) -- Your risk of having a heart attack or stroke may be worse than you think. Currently, risk is assessed by projecting 10 years ahead. New research shows a young or middle-aged adult at low risk in the short term may be at high risk in the long term, if they have only one risk factor. This is the first study to examine the lifetime risk of heart disease in white and black men and women. ... > full story

Genetically modified food safe, animal study suggests (January 26, 2012) -- A three year feeding study has shown no adverse health effects in pigs fed genetically modified (GM) maize.  The maize, which is a Bt-maize bred for its insect resistant properties, was sourced from Spain. ... > full story

Scientists identify protein that contributes to symptoms of Parkinson's disease (January 26, 2012) -- Scientists have identified a protein that exacerbates symptoms of Parkinson's disease -- a discovery that could one day lead to new treatments for people who suffer from this devastating neurodegenerative illness. ... > full story

Avastin, Sutent increase breast cancer stem cells, study suggests (January 26, 2012) -- Cancer treatments designed to block the growth of blood vessels were found to increase the number of cancer stem cells in breast tumors in mice, suggesting a possible explanation for why these drugs don’t lead to longer survival, according to a new study. ... > full story

Genes influence criminal behavior, research suggests (January 26, 2012) -- Your genes could be a strong predictor of whether you stray into a life of crime, according to a new research paper. The study focused on whether genes are likely to cause a person to become a life-course persistent offender, which is characterized by antisocial behavior during childhood that can later progress to violent or serious criminal acts later in life. ... > full story

Mild cognitive impairment is common, affects men most, study finds (January 26, 2012) -- Researchers report that more than 6 percent of Americans age 70 to 89 develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) every year. Also, the condition appears to affect men and those who only have a high school education more than women and those who have completed some higher education. People with MCI are at the stage between suffering the normal forgetfulness associated with aging and developing dementia, such as that caused by Alzheimer's disease. ... > full story

New fluorescent dyes highlight neuronal activity (January 26, 2012) -- Researchers have created a new generation of fast-acting fluorescent dyes that optically highlight electrical activity in neuronal membranes. The ability to visualize these small, fast-changing voltage differences between the interior and exterior of neurons -- known as transmembrane potential -- is considered a powerful method for deciphering how brain cells function and interact. ... > full story

Limiting protein or certain amino acids before surgery may reduce risk of surgical complications (January 26, 2012) -- Limiting certain essential nutrients for several days before surgery -- either protein or amino acids -- may reduce the risk of serious surgical complications such as heart attack or stroke, according to a new study. ... > full story

People lie more when texting, study finds (January 26, 2012) -- Sending a text message leads people to lie more often than in other forms of communication, according to new research. ... > full story

Swallow a pill and let your doctor tour your insides (January 26, 2012) -- Researchers have successfully tested a controllable endoscopic capsule, inspired by science fiction, that has the ability to "swim" through the body and could provide clinicians with unprecedented control when photographing the inside of the human body. ... > full story

Attack or retreat? Circuit links hunger and pursuit in sea slug brain (January 26, 2012) -- If you were a blind, cannibalistic sea slug, living among others just like you, nearly every encounter with another creature would require a simple cost/benefit calculation: Should I eat that -- or flee? In a new study, researchers report that these responses are linked to a simple circuit in the brain of the sea slug Pleurobranchaea. ... > full story

Asthma rate and costs from traffic pollution higher: Much higher than past traditional risk assessments have indicated (January 26, 2012) -- A team of resource economist researchers has revised the cost burden sharply upward for childhood asthma and for the first time include the number of cases attributable to air pollution, in a new study. ... > full story

An easier way to remove gallstones (January 26, 2012) -- A new patented, ultra-specialized endoscope removes gallstones without the need to remove the gallbladder, too. ... > full story

Working too much is correlated with two-fold increase in likelihood of depression (January 26, 2012) -- The odds of a major depressive episode are more than double for those working 11 or more hours a day compared to those working seven to eight hours a day. ... > full story

Alzheimer's neurons from pluripotent stem cells: First-ever feat provides new method to understand cause of disease, develop drugs (January 26, 2012) -- Scientists have, for the first time, created stem cell-derived, in vitro models of sporadic and hereditary Alzheimer’s disease (AD), using induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with the much-dreaded neurodegenerative disorder. ... > full story

High animal fat diet increases gestational diabetes risk, study finds (January 26, 2012) -- Women who consumed a diet high in animal fat and cholesterol before pregnancy were at higher risk for gestational diabetes than women whose diets were lower in animal fat and cholesterol, according to researchers. ... > full story

Middle-age risk factors drive greater lifetime risk for heart disease (January 26, 2012) -- A new study reports that while an individual's risk of heart disease may be low in the next five or 10 years, the lifetime risk could still be very high, findings that could have implications for both clinical practice and public health policy. ... > full story

Being ignored hurts, even by a stranger (January 26, 2012) -- Feeling like you're part of the gang is crucial to the human experience. All people get stressed out when we're left out. A new study finds that a feeling of inclusion can come from something as simple as eye contact from a stranger. ... > full story

Morgellons: Unexplained skin condition is non-infectious, not linked to environmental cause: CDC report (January 26, 2012) -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has completed a comprehensive study of an unexplained skin condition commonly referred to as Morgellons. ... > full story

New standard for vitamin D testing to ensure accurate test results (January 26, 2012) -- At a time of increasing concern about low vitamin D levels in the world's population and increased use of blood tests for the vitamin, scientists are reporting development of a much-needed reference material to assure that measurements of vitamin D levels are accurate. ... > full story

Nanocrystals make dentures shine (January 26, 2012) -- Chemists have developed novel glass ceramics for dentistry. The new kind of glass ceramic with a nanocrystalline structure seems to be well suited to be used in dentistry due to its high strength and its optical characteristics. ... > full story

High-school high achievers who flounder in university: Some students may have undetected reading comprehension difficulties (January 26, 2012) -- Everyone knows a high-school high achiever who has floundered in university. Now researchers may have an explanation for the problem. They say it is likely that some of these students may have undetected reading comprehension difficulties. ... > full story

Environment that nurtures blood-forming stem cells' growth identified (January 25, 2012) -- Scientists have identified the environment in which blood-forming stem cells survive and thrive within the body, an important step toward increasing the safety and effectiveness of bone-marrow transplantation. ... > full story

Many people continue to smoke after being diagnosed with cancer (January 25, 2012) -- A new analysis has found that a substantial number of lung and colorectal cancer patients continue to smoke after being diagnosed. ... > full story

Strategic research plan needed to help avoid potential risks of nanomaterials (January 25, 2012) -- Despite extensive investment in nanotechnology and increasing commercialization over the last decade, insufficient understanding remains about the environmental, health, and safety aspects of nanomaterials. Without a coordinated research plan to help guide efforts to manage and avoid potential risks, the future of safe and sustainable nanotechnology is uncertain, says a new report. ... > full story

Adolescents with autism spend free time using solitary, screen-based media (January 25, 2012) -- Children with autism spectrum disorders tend to be fascinated by screen-based technology. A new study found that adolescents with autism (64.2 percent) spend most of their free time using solitary, or non-social, screen-based media (television and video games) while only 13.2 percent spend time on socially interactive media (e-mail, Internet chatting). ... > full story

Protein in brain could be a key target in controlling Alzheimer’s (January 25, 2012) -- A protein recently discovered in the brain could play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. ... > full story

Foot and ankle structure differs between sprinters and non-sprinters (January 25, 2012) -- The skeletal structure of the foot and ankle differs significantly between human sprinters and non-sprinters, according to researchers. Their findings not only help explain why some people are faster runners than others, but also may be useful in helping people who have difficulty walking, such as older adults and children with cerebral palsy. ... > full story

The price of your soul: How the brain decides whether to 'sell out' (January 25, 2012) -- A neuro-imaging study shows that personal values people refuse to disavow, even when offered cash, are processed differently in the brain than those values that are willingly sold. The experiment found that the realm of the sacred -- whether a strong religious belief, national identity or code of ethics -- is a distinct cognitive process, and prompts greater activation of a brain area associated with rules-based, right-or-wrong thought processes, as opposed to regions linked to costs-versus-benefits thought. ... > full story

Could Alzheimer's disease be diagnosed with a simple blood test? (January 25, 2012) -- A pilot study suggests infrared analysis of white blood cells is a promising strategy for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. ... > full story

Researchers discover method to unravel malaria's genetic secrets (January 25, 2012) -- Researchers have devised a technique to overcome a genetic oddity of Plasmodium falciparum, the major cause of human malaria, which has stymied research into the organism's genes. The technique opens the door to genetic discovery for the entire organism, which should foster a greater understanding of the parasite, and facilitate discovery of new medications for a disease that infects 200 million people and kills nearly 700,000 every year. ... > full story

In schizophrenia research, a path to the brain through the nose (January 25, 2012) -- A significant obstacle to progress in understanding psychiatric disorders is the difficulty in obtaining living brain tissue for study so that disease processes can be studied directly. Recent advances in basic cellular neuroscience now suggest that, for some purposes, cultured neural stem cells may be studied in order to research psychiatric disease mechanisms. But where can one obtain these cells outside of the brain? ... > full story

How do you mend a broken heart? Coaxing the heart into making replacement cardiac muscle cells (January 25, 2012) -- Scientists are closing in on signals that may be able to coax the heart into producing replacement cardiac muscle cells. Using a zebrafish model system, researchers have identified a family of molecules that can stimulate stem cells to develop into beating heart muscle cells. The research may pave the way towards new therapeutic approaches for cardiac regeneration and repair. ... > full story

Researchers quantify muscle soreness (January 25, 2012) -- Quantifying how sore a person is after a long workout is a challenge for doctors and researchers, but scientists think they may have figured it out. ... > full story