ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Thursday, December 4, 2008
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Gene Therapy Corrects Sickle Cell Disease In Laboratory Study (December 4, 2008) -- Using a harmless virus to insert a corrective gene into mouse blood cells, scientists have alleviated sickle cell disease pathology. In their studies, the researchers found that the treated mice showed essentially no difference from normal mice. Although the scientists caution that applying the gene therapy to humans presents significant technical obstacles, they believe that the new therapy will become an important treatment for the disease. ... > full story
Researchers On Quest To Cure Disfiguring Parasitic Disease (December 4, 2008) -- Researchers are hot on the trail of a totally new approach to treating Leishmania and related diseases like African sleeping sickness and Chagas' disease. ... > full story
More Data On Key Genes In Diabetes (December 4, 2008) -- One of the most reliable indicators to predict that a person will develop type 2 diabetes is the presence of insulin resistance. Insulin is produced in the pancreas and is the hormone responsible for ensuring that glucose reaches several tissues and organs in the body, such as muscles. ... > full story
Shortage Of General Surgeons By 2010, New Research Projects (December 4, 2008) -- In less than two years, there may not be enough surgeons in US hospitals to treat the critically injured or chronically ill. A new study suggests that the number of available general surgeons, who often perform life-saving operations on patients in emergency rooms, will not keep up with public demand. As the population continues to grow, there will be a shortage of 1,300 general surgeons in 2010. That shortage will worsen each decade, reaching a deficit of 6,000 by 2050. ... > full story
Scientists Developing Safer Food Allergy Treatment (December 4, 2008) -- A European team of scientists are embarking on new research to develop food allergy treatments. Classical treatment with allergen-specific immunotherapy, where a patient received monthly injections with an allergen extract for three to five years, is effective but dangerous due to anaphylactic side-effects. In the FAST project, scientists will use modified variants of allergic proteins that are hypoallergenic and therefore safer. The proteins will be purified to increase effectiveness and dosage control easier. ... > full story
Benefits Of Early HIV Testing And Treatment For Infected Infants Defined (December 4, 2008) -- Testing very young babies for HIV and giving antiretroviral therapy immediately to those found infected with the virus dramatically prevents illness and death, according to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine. ... > full story
More Evidence Needed To Show ‘What Works’ In Prevention Of Child Abuse (December 4, 2008) -- More evidence is needed to discover ‘what works’ to prevent child maltreatment, new research shows. Researchers examined all five major subtypes of child maltreatment – physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, neglect and exposure to intimate-partner violence. ... > full story
Gene Associated With Age-related Hearing Loss Identified (December 3, 2008) -- Researchers discovered a common variant in the GRM7 gene, which they believe may be associated with susceptibility to glutamate excitotoxicity and hearing loss. ... > full story
Crohn's Disease Surgeries Make Steady Advances (December 3, 2008) -- Thousands of Americans suffering from the chronic inflammatory bowel condition known as Crohn's disease are leading longer, healthier lives due to innovative new surgeries, according to experts. ... > full story
Psychiatric Disorders Common Among College-age Individuals; Few Seek Treatment (December 3, 2008) -- Psychiatric disorders appear to be common among 18- to 24-year-olds, with overall rates similar among those attending or not attending college, according to a new report. Almost half of college-aged individuals meet criteria for substance abuse, personality disorders or another mental health condition during a one-year period, but only one-fourth of those seek treatment. ... > full story
Diet May Regulate Obesity Health Risks, But Genes Decide, Says New Research (December 3, 2008) -- The risk of obese people developing the metabolic syndrome that leads to diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, can not be solved by a one-size-fits-all diet program, according to new scientific findings. ... > full story
Hands Free Mobile Phone Conversations Add Five Meters To Drivers' Braking Distances (December 3, 2008) -- Psychology researchers reveals that mobile telephone conversations impair drivers' visual attention to such a degree that it can add over 5 meters to the braking distance of a car traveling at 60 miles per hour and causes almost twice as many errors as drivers driving without the distraction of a mobile phone conversation. ... > full story
Curbing Hormones' Effects In Obese Patients Could Aid Against Breast Cancer (December 3, 2008) -- Results from cell culture studies suggest a class of anticancer compounds called EGFR inhibitors, largely written off for breast cancers, could be effective in obese patients. The hormones leptin and IGF-1 synergistically stimulate migration and invasion in breast cancer cells. EGFR inhibitors block this stimulation. ... > full story
Nearly 5 Percent Of U.S. Population Suffers From Persistent Depression Or Anxiety (December 3, 2008) -- In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers have developed estimates for both the prevalence of chronic psychiatric illness in the general population and how often individuals suffering from such illnesses receive appropriate treatment. They found that approximately 4.7 percent of the nation's population suffers from persistent depression or anxiety disorders, with a minority of those afflicted receiving adequate medication or counseling. ... > full story
Mammals Can Be Stimulated To Regrow Damaged Inner Retina Nerve Cells (December 3, 2008) -- For the first time the mammalian retina has now shown the capacity to regenerate new neurons after damage. This research in mice shows that at least some types of retinal damage can be repaired. The loss of neurons in the retina in people in conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration leads to visual loss and blindness. This new research shows there might someday be a way to restore vision in people with these conditions. ... > full story
How Brain Cells Can Survive A Stroke: Workings Of Emergency Brake In Brain (December 3, 2008) -- Brain researchers have penetrated deeply into the innermost secrets of the brain to find out how brain cells can survive a stroke. Strokes are usually caused by occlusion of one of the blood vessels in the brain. When blood is prevented from supplying vital oxygen and energy to the brain cells, their electrochemical balance is upset, and they cause damage to themselves and to the surrounding brain cells before they collapse and die. Often this affects the memory center, the hippocampus, where the cells are particularly vulnerable. ... > full story
Screening For Colorectal Cancer Detects Unrecognized Disease (December 3, 2008) -- Screening for colorectal cancer detects four out of ten cancers and should be carefully designed to be more effective, according to a new study. ... > full story
Exercise Helps Overweight Children Reduce Anger Expression (December 3, 2008) -- Regular exercise seems to reduce anger expression in overweight but otherwise healthy children, researchers say. Aerobic exercise may be an effective strategy to help overweight kids reduce anger expression and aggressive behavior. ... > full story
Mini Heart Attacks Lessen Damage From Major Ones (December 3, 2008) -- Researchers have discovered one potential mechanism by which briefly cutting off, then restoring, blood flow prior to a heart attack lessens the damage caused. The work could lead to new drugs that provide protection ahead of heart attacks, and may help to prevent damage caused as US heart surgeons temporarily cut off blood flow 450,000 times each year to perform coronary artery bypass graft surgeries. ... > full story
New Strategy For Broad Spectrum Anti-viral Drugs Developed (December 3, 2008) -- Bavituximab, a newly developed anti-viral drug shows promise as a new strategy to fight viral diseases, including potential bioterrorism agents. ... > full story
Gene Mutation May Cause Immature Lungs In Newborns (December 3, 2008) -- Scientists have identified a gene critical to lung maturation in newborns and the production of surfactant, which lines lung tissues and prevents the lungs from collapsing. Scientists deleted the Foxm1 gene in embryonic mice. Lungs in the mice did not fully mature and the mice died shortly after birth from respiratory distress. ... > full story
Particulate Emissions From Laser Printers (December 3, 2008) -- Do laser printers emit pathogenic toner particles into the air? Some people are convinced that they do. As a result, this topic is the subject of public controversy. Researchers have now investigated what particles the printers really do release into the air. ... > full story
Training Doesn't Reduce Avalanche Risk When Skiing, Study Shows (December 3, 2008) -- A new study of backcountry ski habits finds training has little impact on risk of being caught in an avalanche, and Americans have higher avalanche risk than Canadians. ... > full story
Gene Which Protects Against Lung Cancer Identified (December 3, 2008) -- Scientists have identified a gene that protects the body from lung cancer. The research has found that the tumour suppressor gene, LIMD1, is responsible for protecting the body from developing lung cancer — paving the way for possible new treatments and early screening techniques. ... > full story
Researchers Call For Fragile X Testing Throughout The Lifespan (December 3, 2008) -- Researchers urge physicians to test for mutations of the fragile X gene in patients of all ages. That's because, after decades of research, it is clear that mutations in this gene cause a range of diseases, including neurodevelopmental delays and autism in children, infertility in women and neurodegenerative disease in older adults. ... > full story
Saying 'Cheese' For More Effective Border Security (December 3, 2008) -- Researchers have found that several simple steps can significantly improve the quality of facial images that are acquired at border entry points such as airports and seaports. ... > full story
Too Much Commitment May Be Unhealthy For Relationships, Professor Says (December 3, 2008) -- Researchers report that partners who base their self-worth solely upon the outcomes of romantic interactions may experience depression and anxiety and ultimately undermine their relationships. ... > full story
Some 'Good Cholesterol' Is Actually Bad, Study Shows (December 3, 2008) -- If you think your levels of "good cholesterol" are good enough, a new study suggests that you may want to think again. Researchers show that good cholesterol (HDL) has varying degrees of quality and that poor quality HDL is actually bad for you. ... > full story
Function Of Helical Band In Heart Detailed (December 3, 2008) -- Scientists have created images of the heart's muscular layer that show, for the first time, the connection between the configuration of those muscles and the way the human heart contracts. More precisely, they showed that the muscular band -- which wraps around the inner chambers of the heart in a helix -- is actually a sort of twisting highway along which each contraction of the heart travels. ... > full story
Marked Improvement In Body Image, Physical Stamina, Post-surgical Pectus Patients Report (December 3, 2008) -- Patients who have had surgical correction of a chest wall deformity commonly known as funnel chest report marked improvement in body image and ability to exercise, according to a new study. ... > full story
Drop In Cancer Deaths Tied Primarily To Gains In Behavior And Screening (December 3, 2008) -- Behavior change and improvements in screening have contributed equally and substantially to the 13 percent decline in cancer mortality rates, according to new research. Cancer treatment after diagnosis has also contributed to the decline, although this is less of a factor than behavioral changes and screening. ... > full story
Why We Remember Important Things And Forget Trivia: Neuron's Synapses Remodel Themselves (December 3, 2008) -- Where would we be without our ability to remember important information or, for that matter, to forget irrelevant details? Thanks to the flexibility of the nerve cell's communication units, called synapses, we are good at both. Up to now, only the receiving side of a synapse was believed to play an active role in this reorganization of the brain, which is thought to underlie our ability to learn but also to forget. An incorrect assumption, as scientists can now show. ... > full story
Vaccine Against Multiple Sclerosis? Mouse Experiment Yields Promising Results (December 3, 2008) -- Researchers in Germany have succeeded in vaccinating mice with specially treated, autologous immune cells and preventing them from developing encephalitis, which is similar to multiple sclerosis in humans. ... > full story
Bone Mineral Content Shown In Various Anatomical Areas, Confirms Differences In Gender And Age (December 3, 2008) -- Scientists in Spain have examined the patterns of total bone mineral content of the Spanish population in different areas of the body. The analysis is the first one of its kind undertaken in Spain that studies subjects from birth until 80 years of age and confirms the differences in mineral content according to gender and changes due to age. ... > full story
Novel Target For Therapeutics Against Staph Infection (December 3, 2008) -- Researchers have uncovered how a bacterial pathogen interacts with the blood coagulation protein fibrinogen to cause methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections, a finding that could aid in developing therapeutics against the potentially deadly disease. ... > full story
New Online Test For Depression (December 3, 2008) -- A new universal test to predict the risk of someone succumbing to major depression has been developed. The online tool, predictD, could eventually be used by family doctors and local clinics to identify those at risk of depression for whom prevention might be most useful. ... > full story
Scientists Home In On Origins Of Childhood Kidney Cancer (December 3, 2008) -- Scientists have made significant progress in pinpointing two new risk factors associated with the most common childhood kidney cancer, known as Wilms tumor. ... > full story
Keeping Chromosomes From Cuddling Up (December 3, 2008) -- If chromosomes snuggle up too closely at the wrong times, the results can be a genetic disaster. Now researchers have found the molecular machines in fruit flies that yank chromosomes apart when necessary. The machines, proteins called condensin II, separate chromosomes by twisting them into supercoils that kink up and therefore can no longer touch. Scientists had known of condensin II, but did not know how it functioned inside cells. ... > full story
Molecular Partnership Controls Daily Rhythms, Body Metabolism (December 3, 2008) -- A research team has discovered a key molecular partnership that coordinates body rhythms and metabolism. Their findings suggest that HDAC via NCoR controls the body's internal clock, and therefore metabolism, through an epigenetic change. ... > full story
Stem Cell Research Hold Great Promise, But Obstacles Remain, Expert Argues (December 3, 2008) -- "There are still a number of major hurdles in the path of stem cell research today that are preventing the routine application of the technology in regenerative medicine." So say scientists writing in the International Journal of Biotechnology. ... > full story
Antioxidants Are Unlikely To Prevent Aging, Study Suggests (December 2, 2008) -- Diets and beauty products which claim to have anti-oxidant properties are unlikely to prevent aging, according to new research. Scientists in England say this is because a key 50-year-old theory about the causes of aging is wrong. ... > full story
Genomic Signature Of Colon Cancer May Individualize Treatment (December 2, 2008) -- Researchers have developed a model for predicting risk of recurrence in early stage colon cancer patients, and have used the model to also predict sensitivity to chemotherapy and targeted therapy regimens. ... > full story
Pros And Cons Of Gastric Bypass Surgery For Severe Obesity (December 2, 2008) -- Severely obese patients who underwent two different gastric bypass techniques had lost up to 31 per cent of their Body Mass Index (BMI) after four years, with no deaths reported among the 50 study subjects, according to an article in the British Journal of Surgery. ... > full story
Do You Know You're Having A Stroke? (December 2, 2008) -- A majority of stroke patients don't think they're having a stroke -- and as a result -- delay seeking treatment until their condition worsens. ... > full story
Eating Eggs When Pregnant Affects Breast Cancer In Offspring (December 2, 2008) -- A stunning discovery based on epigenetics (the inheritance of propensities acquired in the womb) reveals that consuming choline -- a nutrient found in eggs and other foods -- during pregnancy may significantly affect breast cancer outcomes for a mother's offspring. This finding is the first to link choline consumption during pregnancy to breast cancer. It also is the first to identify possible choline-related genetic changes that affect breast cancer survival rates. The 'genetic impact' of a pregnant woman's diet has a profound effect on her child. ... > full story
Exercise Helps Prevent Age-related Brain Changes In Older Adults (December 2, 2008) -- Older adults who exercise regularly show increased cerebral blood flow and a greater number of small blood vessels in the brain. ... > full story
Experimental Drug May Address Working Memory Impairments That Occur In Schizophrenia (December 2, 2008) -- In one of the first instances of targeted drug design in psychiatric treatment, researchers have found an experimental agent that shows promise in addressing working memory impairments that occur in the schizophrenia. ... > full story
Is Empty Nest Best? Changes In Marital Satisfaction In Late Middle Age (December 2, 2008) -- The phrase "empty nest" can conjure up images of lonely parents sitting at home, waiting for their children to call or visit. However, a new study suggests that an empty nest may be beneficial for the parents' marriage. The results revealed that marital satisfaction increased as women got older, but in addition, women who had made the transition to an empty nest increased more in marital satisfaction than women who still had children at home. ... > full story
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