ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Thursday, December 9, 2010
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Dynamics of chaperone protein critical in rescuing brains of Alzheimer's mice from neuron damage (December 9, 2010) -- Dynamic regulation of the chaperone protein Hsp27 was required to get rid of abnormally accumulating tau in the brains of mice genetically modified to develop the memory-choking tau tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease, a new study found. ... > full story
Personalized vaccine for lymphoma patients extends disease-free survival by nearly 2 years (December 9, 2010) -- A personalized vaccine is a powerful therapy to prevent recurrence among certain follicular lymphoma patients, according to the latest results. When these patients -- whose tumors are marked by a specific protein that may be present in up to half of people with this type of cancer -- receive a vaccine made from their own tumor cells, disease-free survival is improved by nearly two years, compared with patients who receive a placebo. ... > full story
Study assesses nuclear power assumptions (December 9, 2010) -- A broad review of current research on nuclear power economics has been published. The report concludes that nuclear power will continue to be a viable power source but that the current fuel cycle is not sustainable. ... > full story
Mindfulness-based therapy helps prevent depression relapse (December 9, 2010) -- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy appears to be similar to maintenance antidepressant medication for preventing relapse or recurrence among patients successfully treated for depression, according to a new study. ... > full story
How do neural stem cells decide what to be -- and when? (December 9, 2010) -- Researchers have uncovered a novel feedback mechanism that controls the delicate balance of brain stem cells. Zif, a newly discovered protein, controls whether brain stem cells renew themselves as stem cells or differentiate into a dedicated type of neuron (nerve cell). ... > full story
How do DNA components resist damaging UV exposure? (December 9, 2010) -- The genetic material of DNA contains shielding mechanisms to protect itself from the exposure to the UV light emitted by the sun. This is of crucial importance, since without photostability – i.e. without "programmed" defense mechanisms against UV irradiation – there would be a rapid degradation of DNA and RNA. ... > full story
Role of stem cell transplant procedures for blood cancer treatment (December 9, 2010) -- Results from four innovative studies help answer outstanding questions about stem cell transplant procedures in treating various hematologic malignancies. New research reveals that there is no increase in overall cancer risk in people who donate stem cells and that the utilization of a double cord blood stem cell transplant is associated with better overall outcomes when used early in the treatment of acute leukemias. ... > full story
Sex, race, place of residence influence high blood pressure incidence (December 9, 2010) -- High blood pressure incidence may help to explain racial and geographic differences in the number of deaths from heart disease and stroke. In a 20-year study in four cities, high blood pressure in middle age was most common in black women, followed by black men, white men and white women. High blood pressure was more common in Birmingham, than in Chicago, Minneapolis or Oakland. ... > full story
Cranberry juice not effective against urinary tract infections, study suggests (December 8, 2010) -- Drinking cranberry juice has been recommended to decrease the incidence of urinary tract infections, based on observational studies and a few small clinical trials. However, a new study suggests otherwise. ... > full story
Parents' influence on children's eating habits is limited (December 8, 2010) -- Parents are often believed to have a strong influence on children's eating behaviors. However, previous findings on parent-child resemblance in dietary intakes are mixed. ... > full story
Different origins discovered for medulloblastoma tumor subtypes (December 8, 2010) -- Investigators have demonstrated for the first time that the most common malignant childhood brain tumor, medulloblastoma, is actually several different diseases, each arising from distinct cells destined to become different structures. The breakthrough is expected to dramatically alter the diagnosis and treatment of this major childhood cancer. ... > full story
Widening our perceptions of reading and writing difficulties (December 8, 2010) -- Learning to read and write are complex processes, which can be disrupted in various ways, leading to disorders known as dyslexia and dysgraphia. Two new studies provide evidence of this variety, suggesting that effective treatment needs to take it into account. ... > full story
Autism treatment: Researchers identify possible treatment for impaired sociability (December 8, 2010) -- Researchers have identified a potential novel treatment strategy for the social impairment of people with autism spectrum disorders, an aspect of the condition that has a profound impact on quality of life. ... > full story
Computer model for projecting severity of flu season (December 8, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a statistical model for projecting how many people will get sick from seasonal influenza based on analyses of flu viruses circulating that season. ... > full story
Pain: What Zen meditators don't think about won't hurt them (December 8, 2010) -- Zen meditation has many health benefits, including a reduced sensitivity to pain. According to new research meditators do feel pain but they simply don't dwell on it as much. These findings may have implications for chronic pain sufferers, such as those with arthritis, back pain or cancer. ... > full story
Are depressed people too clean? (December 8, 2010) -- Researchers say there is mounting evidence that disruptions in ancient relationships with microorganisms in soil, food and the gut may contribute to increasing rates of depression. According to a review article, the modern world has become so clean, we are deprived of the bacteria our immune systems came to rely on over long ages to keep inflammation at bay. ... > full story
New test shows promise for accurate early diagnosis of Turner syndrome (December 8, 2010) -- A recent study has demonstrated a novel and accurate test for early diagnosis of Turner syndrome. Turner syndrome affects one in 1,500 to 2,000 female live births and early diagnosis allows for the timely management of short stature and co-morbid conditions including cardiac and renal problems. ... > full story
Good grades in high school lead to better health, study suggests (December 8, 2010) -- The "A" grades that high schoolers earn aren't just good for making the honor roll -- they also make them healthier as adults, too, researcher suggests. ... > full story
Accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer with ultrasound (December 8, 2010) -- Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men, but its diagnosis has up to now been inaccurate and unpleasant. Researchers have now developed an imaging technology that can accurately identify tumors. The technology is based on ultrasound, and also has the potential to assess how aggressive tumors are. This can lead to better and more appropriate treatment, and to cost savings in health care. ... > full story
Blueberries and other purple fruits to ward off Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's (December 8, 2010) -- Eating purple fruits such as blueberries and drinking green tea can help ward off diseases including Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's, a report claims. ... > full story
Low and high vitamin D levels in older women associated with increased likelihood of frailty (December 8, 2010) -- A recent study found that lower and higher vitamin D levels were associated with an increased likelihood of frailty in older women. Women with vitamin D levels between 20.0 and 29.9 ng/ml were at the lowest risk of frailty. ... > full story
New blood test could detect heart disease in people with no symptoms (December 8, 2010) -- A more sensitive version of a blood test typically used to confirm that someone is having a heart attack could indicate whether a seemingly healthy, middle-aged person has unrecognized heart disease and an increased risk of dying, researchers have found. ... > full story
Stem cell advance a step forward for treatment of brain diseases (December 8, 2010) -- Scientists have created a way to isolate neural stem cells -- cells that give rise to all the cell types of the brain -- from human brain tissue with unprecedented precision, an important step toward developing new treatments for conditions of the nervous system, like Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases and spinal cord injury. ... > full story
Second-hand smoke increases risk of invasive meningococcal disease in children (December 8, 2010) -- Children exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to get invasive meningococcal disease than children who are not exposed. ... > full story
Feeling chills in response to music (December 8, 2010) -- Most people feel chills and shivers in response to music that thrills them, but some people feel these chills often and others feel them hardly at all. People who are particularly open to new experiences are most likely to have chills in response to music, according to a study. ... > full story
Vitamin supplements reduce deaths caused by measles and diarrhea, study finds (December 8, 2010) -- Vitamin A supplements are still an effective way to reduce childhood death and disease. A new study strongly endorses the continuation of vitamin A supplementation programs, which reduce the incidence of measles and diarrhea and ultimately save lives. ... > full story
Use of low-dose aspirin associated with improved performance of test for detecting colorectal cancer (December 8, 2010) -- Use of low-dose aspirin prior to a newer type of fecal occult blood test is associated with a higher sensitivity for detecting advanced colorectal tumors, compared to no aspirin use, according to a new study. ... > full story
Nanoparticle gives antimicrobial ability to fight Listeria longer (December 8, 2010) -- Scientists have developed a nanoparticle that can hold and release an antimicrobial agent as needed for extending the shelf life of foods susceptible to Listeria monocytogenes. ... > full story
Providing incentives to cooperate can turn swords into ploughshares (December 8, 2010) -- When two individuals face off in conflict, the classic problem in evolutionary biology known as the prisoner's dilemma says that the individuals are not likely to cooperate even if it is in their best interests to do so. But a new study suggests that with incentives to cooperate, natural selection can minimize conflict, changing the game from one of pure conflict to one of partial cooperation. ... > full story
Desensitization approaches effective against hayfever-like allergies, research suggests (December 8, 2010) -- Immunotherapy given as pills or drops under the tongue is a safe and effective way to treat hayfever-like allergies caused by pollen and dust mites, according to a new review. The researchers say the approach is an attractive alternative to immunotherapy injections in children. ... > full story
New way of seeing discovered: Melanopsin-expressing cells sense brightness (December 8, 2010) -- Better known as the light sensor that sets the body's biological clock, melanopsin also plays an important role in vision: Via its messengers-so-called melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells, or mRGCs-it forwards information about the brightness of incoming light directly to conventional visual centers in the brain, report scientists. ... > full story
New formulation of Leishmaniasis drug shown to be stable, effective in tropical temperatures (December 8, 2010) -- A new formulation of Amphotericin B (AmB) has been shown to be stable in tropical climates and effective in treating Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in mouse models. ... > full story
Music relieves stress of assisted breathing (December 8, 2010) -- Patients who need assistance to breathe through mechanical ventilation may benefit from listening to music, a new review shows. The researchers found that music listening may relax patients, potentially resulting in fewer complications. ... > full story
Tobacco cessation medication may reduce hospitalization for heart attacks (December 8, 2010) -- The use of tobacco cessation medication in a population may lead to reduced hospital admissions for heart attacks and for coronary atherosclerosis within the two years after use according to a new study. ... > full story
Even with helicopter EMS, hospital transfer can delay treatment for heart attacks (December 8, 2010) -- Helicopter emergency medical services can be a life saver for patients needing immediate care. But, according to a new study, the process of activating them often delays treatment beyond recommended times. Researchers found that a majority of STEMI heart attack patients transferred by a hospital-based helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) in 2007 did not receive treatment within the time period recommended by national physician groups. ... > full story
People in jobs traditionally held by the other sex are judged more harshly for mistakes (December 8, 2010) -- In these modern times, people can have jobs that weren't traditionally associated with their genders. Men are nurses; women are CEOs. A new study examines perceptions of people in high-powered jobs and finds that they're likely to be judged more harshly for mistakes if they're in a job that's not normally associated with their gender. ... > full story
Trauma surgeon leads call to action for pediatric applied trauma research network (December 8, 2010) -- Since the number of seriously injured children treated at a single center is relatively small, and because an individual hospital is unlikely to have sufficient patient diversity, collaborative multi-center studies are required to address the differences in treatment of pediatric injury at trauma centers in diverse settings. Establishment of a pediatric trauma network will enable cohesive care from admission to discharge for these patients with multi-system injuries. ... > full story
Engaging pediatricians and primary care physicians in childhood obesity prevention and intervention (December 8, 2010) -- As the prevalence of childhood obesity approaches epidemic levels, physicians on the "front line" need to become more involved in obesity prevention and weight management to reverse this dangerous trend among their young patients. But several obstacles discourage pediatricians and other primary care physicians from taking a more active role in managing childhood obesity. ... > full story
Youth report favorable impressions of community street outreach workers (December 8, 2010) -- A new study finds that youth generally perceive community street outreach workers positively, regardless of whether they have personally worked with one. This study is the first peer-reviewed study to include the perceptions of youth who are not former or current clients of community street workers. ... > full story
Small molecule may disarm enemy of cancer-fighting p53 (December 7, 2010) -- A pioneering clinical trial is testing the effectiveness in leukemia of a small molecule that shuts down MDM2, a protein that can disable the well-known tumor suppressor p53. ... > full story
Metabolism models may explain why Alzheimer's disease kills some neuron types first (December 7, 2010) -- Bioengineers developed an explanation for why some types of neurons die sooner than others in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. These insights come from detailed models of brain energy metabolism. ... > full story
'Vast majority' of acoustic tumor patients benefit from surgery, study suggests (December 7, 2010) -- Surgery to remove tumors under the brain known as acoustic neuromas produces favorable outcomes in the "vast majority" of patients, according to one of the largest studies of its kind. ... > full story
Scientists map changes in genetic networks caused by DNA damage (December 7, 2010) -- Using a new technology called "differential epistasis maps," scientists have documented for the first time how a cellular genetic network completely rewires itself in response to stress by DNA-damaging agents. ... > full story
Including smoking cessation program with treatment for PTSD shows higher rate of quitting (December 7, 2010) -- Among smokers with military-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), integrating smoking cessation treatment with mental health care for PTSD resulted in higher rates of prolonged smoking abstinence, compared to referral for assistance with quitting smoking, according to a new study. ... > full story
Bioactive peptides found to promote wound healing (December 7, 2010) -- Newly identified bioactive peptides promote wound healing through the growth of new blood vessels and epithelial tissue. These wound-healing peptides increased angiogenesis in vitro by 200 percent. The discovery may lead to new therapies for acute and chronic wound healing. ... > full story
IV drug could be major advance in halting acute seizures in newborns (December 7, 2010) -- Seizures that occur in the first few weeks of life are a major predictor of future adverse neurological outcomes. Currently approved antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are effective in stopping seizures in less than 50% of these neonatal cases. The approved therapies can also have undesirable side effects. ... > full story
Milestone in fight against deadly disease: 500 protein structures mapped and solved (December 7, 2010) -- Scientists have reached a major milestone in the effort to wipe out some of the most lethal diseases on the planet. They've experimentally determined 500 three-dimensional protein structures from a number of bacterial and protozoan pathogens, which could potentially lead to new drugs, vaccines and diagnostics to combat deadly infectious diseases. ... > full story
Teens get more ear infections when someone smokes at home (December 7, 2010) -- Family members who smoke are more apt to feel it is OK to smoke indoors as their children get older. But in households with secondhand smoke, children between 12 and 17 are 1.67 times more prone to have recurrent ear infections compared to adolescents who live in a smoke-free environment, a large new study reveals. ... > full story
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