ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Tuesday, April 26, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Tuesday, April 26, 2011

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Tuberculosis discovery paves way for drugs that prevent lung destruction (April 26, 2011) -- Scientists have identified a key enzyme responsible for destroying lung tissue in tuberculosis. Drugs that inhibit this enzyme are already available, meaning that the finding could lead quickly to new treatments. ... > full story

Self-powered, blood-activated sensor detects pancreatitis quickly and cheaply (April 26, 2011) -- A new low cost test for acute pancreatitis that gets results much faster than existing tests has been developed by scientists. The sensor, which could be produced for as little as a dollar, is built with a 12-cent LED light, aluminum foil, gelatin, milk protein and a few other cheap, easily obtainable materials. ... > full story

Death rates among those with high blood pressure decreasing, but still high (April 26, 2011) -- Death rates are decreasing among people with high blood pressure but remain far higher than in people without high blood pressure, according to new research. The gap between adults with and without hypertension has improved more among men than women. ... > full story

Increased computer use by adolescents cause for concern, Canadian study finds (April 26, 2011) -- Researchers in Canada have found a strong association between computer and Internet use in adolescents and engagement in multiple-risk behaviors, including illicit drug use, drunkenness and unprotected sex. ... > full story

New class of cancer drugs could work in colon cancers with genetic mutation, study finds (April 26, 2011) -- A class of drugs that shows promise in breast and ovarian cancers with BRCA gene mutations could potentially benefit colorectal cancer patients with a different genetic mutation, a new study finds. ... > full story

Targeted agent selumetinib shows promise in biliary cancer (April 26, 2011) -- The experimental agent selumetinib has shown promising results in people with advanced biliary cancer, a malignancy of the bile ducts and gall bladder, according to a multi-institutional clinical trial. Most patients are diagnosed at later stages of the disease, which has a universally poor outcome. The study provides a strong rationale for developing this agent further in larger trials, probably in combination with other drugs. ... > full story

Psychologists find unintentional racial biases may affect economic and trust decisions (April 26, 2011) -- Psychologists have found that people may make economic and trust decisions based on unconscious or unintentional racial biases. ... > full story

Intellectual disability is frequently caused by non-hereditary genetic problems, study finds (April 25, 2011) -- Mutations in a group of genes associated with brain activity frequently cause intellectual disability, according to a new study. ... > full story

Fruit flies on meth: Study explores whole-body effects of toxic drug (April 25, 2011) -- A new study in fruit flies offers a broad view of the potent and sometimes devastating molecular events that occur throughout the body as a result of methamphetamine exposure. The study tracks changes in the expression of genes and proteins throughout the body in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) exposed to meth. ... > full story

New scientific model tracks form of ovarian cancer to origins in fallopian tube (April 25, 2011) -- High-grade serous ovarian cancer is thought by many scientists to often be a fallopian tube malignancy masquerading as an ovarian one. While most of the evidence linking the cancer to the fallopian tubes has so far been only circumstantial, a new study suggests there is a direct connection, a finding that could aid in the development of better treatments. ... > full story

Biophysicist targeting IL-6 to halt breast, prostate cancer (April 25, 2011) -- A biophysicist is using supercomputer resources to search thousands of molecular combinations for the best configuration to block a protein that can cause breast or prostate cancer. ... > full story

High rates of substance abuse exist among veterans with mental illness, study finds (April 25, 2011) -- A new study reveals that veterans who suffer from mental health disorders also have high rates of substance use disorders. ... > full story

Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce effectiveness of SSRI antidepressants, study shows (April 25, 2011) -- A study in mice and in a human population shows that use of anti-inflammatory drugs reduces the effectiveness of SSRIs, the most widely used class of antidepressant medications. ... > full story

Bioengineering students' invention may help diagnose painful eye condition (April 25, 2011) -- Bioengineering students responded to an ophthalmologist's cry for help with a device to diagnose dry eye, the itching and burning sensation that results when a person doesn't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. ... > full story

Pelvic organs given the slip by the protein fibulin-5 (April 25, 2011) -- Pelvic organ prolapse is a disabling condition that affects almost 50 percent of women over the age of 50. New research provides insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms, identifying potential new targets for nonsurgical approaches to treating the condition. ... > full story

Snooze control: Fatigue, air traffic and safety (April 25, 2011) -- It is safe to say that we are all guilty of these at some point in our day -- stifling a yawn in the middle of the work day, eyelids growing heavy and having the strong urge for caffeine when 3 p.m. rolls around. While most of us have experienced fatigue and lethargy on the job, spare a thought for those who hold the fate of people's lives in their hands. ... > full story

Omega 3: What is good for the heart may not be good for the prostate, study suggests (April 25, 2011) -- The largest study to examine the association of dietary fats and prostate cancer risk has found what's good for the heart may not be good for the prostate. A U.S. nationwide study involving more than 3,400 men found those with the highest blood percentages of DHA, an inflammation-lowering omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in fatty fish, have more than twice the risk of developing aggressive, high-grade prostate cancer compared to men with the lowest DHA levels. ... > full story

Laying bare the not-so-sweet tale of a sugar and its role in the spread of cancer (April 25, 2011) -- Cancer has a mighty big bag of tricks that it uses to evade the body's natural defense mechanisms and proliferate. Among those tricks is one that allows tumor cells to turn the intricate and extensive system of lymphatic vessels into something of a highway to metastasis. Yet new research may aid in the development of therapeutics that will put the brakes on such cancer spread, and the researchers who completed the study say the findings may extend to other lymphatic disorders. ... > full story

Becoming a vampire without being bitten: Reading expands our self-concepts, study shows (April 25, 2011) -- When we read, we psychologically become part of the community described in the narrative—be they wizards or vampires. That mechanism satisfies the deeply human, evolutionarily crucial, need for belonging, according to new research. ... > full story

Blocking crucial molecule could help treat multiple sclerosis, neuroscientists say (April 25, 2011) -- Neuroscientists have identified a driving force behind autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), and suggest that blocking this cell-signaling molecule is the first step in developing new treatments to eradicate these diseases. ... > full story

Widespread use of medications among pregnant women, researchers report (April 25, 2011) -- Researchers have reported widespread and increasing medication use among pregnant women. The study also found that medication use varied by socioeconomic status, maternal age, race/ethnicity and state of residence. ... > full story

Fractal dimension analysis aids breast cancer prognosis (April 25, 2011) -- Cancer researchers are investigating a new tool to use for the prognosis of breast cancer in patients. The scientists are using fractal dimension analysis to quantitatively assess the degree of abnormality and aggressiveness of breast cancer tumors obtained through biopsy. ... > full story

Therapies based on positive emotions may not work for all cultures, psychologists warn (April 25, 2011) -- Thinking happy thoughts, focusing on the good and downplaying the bad is believed to accelerate recovery from depression, bolster resilience during a crisis and improve overall mental health. But pursuing happiness may not be beneficial across all cultures. ... > full story

Combination therapy provides hope for cure of dangerous infections of cystic fibrosis patients (April 25, 2011) -- An over-the-counter drug used to treat diarrhea combined with minocycline, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, could one day change the lives of those living with cystic fibrosis. ... > full story

How do you get a fruit fly to exercise? (April 25, 2011) -- A professor puts his fruit flies through a grueling daily workout in a quest to understand how their genes respond to exercise and to uncover clues that may one day help people stay healthier and more active into their advanced years. ... > full story

Obesity not always protective following surgery (April 25, 2011) -- Obese patients with high blood pressure and diabetes are at much higher risk for major complications following non-cardiac surgery compared to otherwise healthy obese patients and patients of normal weight. The new finding diverges from previous research demonstrating that obesity is associated with a lower risk of death and complications after non-cardiac surgery and helps clarify the so-called "obesity paradox," or notion that a high body mass index confers a protective effect in certain circumstances. ... > full story

New robot to help people to walk again (April 25, 2011) -- Cognitive skills for a new robot which will help people with damaged limbs to walk again are being developed by researchers in the UK. ... > full story

Link between brain molecule and obesity and diabetes discovered (April 25, 2011) -- The brain's hypothalamus plays a key role in obesity and one of its major complications -- Type 2 diabetes. Nerve cells in the hypothalamus detect nutrients and hormones circulating in the blood and then coordinate a complex series of behavioral and physiological responses to maintain a balance between calories eaten and calories burned. Obesity and diabetes can result when this regulatory mechanism goes awry. Now, research has revealed a molecule in the brain that may contribute to those health problems, both of which are reaching epidemic proportions. ... > full story

RNA dynamics deconstructed (April 25, 2011) -- RNA plays a critical role in directing the creation of proteins, but there is more to the life of an RNA molecule than simply carrying DNA's message. Researchers have developed an approach that offers many windows into the lifecycle of these essential molecules. Their approach offers high resolution and a comprehensive scope. ... > full story

Researcher use trees to detect contaminants and health threats (April 25, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a method to detect the presence of soil and groundwater contamination without turning a shovel or touching the water. Instead, they're using trees. ... > full story

Over range of ADHD behavior, genes major force on reading achievement, environment on math (April 25, 2011) -- Researchers found that genes and environment both play a role in ADHD behavior and troubles with reading and math. But genes more so with reading, and the environment more so with math. ... > full story

Brain cell migration during normal development may offer insight on how cancer cells spread (April 25, 2011) -- By shedding new light on how cells migrate in the developing brain, researchers also may have found a new mechanism by which other types of cells, including cancer cells, travel within the body. ... > full story

Drug effective in treating kidney disease in diabetic patients, study suggests (April 25, 2011) -- Researchers have published promising results of a clinical study using an experimental anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory drug called pirfenidone to treat patients with diabetic nephropathy. ... > full story

Ban bodychecking in youth hockey to prevent concussions, expert argues (April 25, 2011) -- Bodychecking in youth hockey leagues should be banned to prevent concussions which can cause serious repercussions, experts argue in a new analysis. ... > full story

Taking aim at tumors (April 25, 2011) -- Many of the newest weapons in the war on cancer come in the form of personalized therapies that can target specific changes in an individual's tumor. By disrupting molecular processes in tumor cells, these drugs can keep the tumor from growing and spreading. Researchers are now deploying a new tool in their study of an enzyme called tubulin tyrosine ligase, or TTL. ... > full story

Molecular mechanism contributing to neuronal circuit formation found (April 25, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered how sensory and motor fibers interact during development of neuronal circuits in the limbs: Both types of nerve fibers can guide this process. With this finding, the researchers have made an important contribution to understanding how neural networks are formed during embryonic development and have found a new approach to explaining neurological disorders. ... > full story

Presenting cancer treatment options in small doses yields smarter choices, study finds (April 25, 2011) -- Women who choose among different breast cancer treatment options make smarter choices when getting the information and making decisions in small doses rather than all at once, as is customary, a new study found. ... > full story

Television 'breakups' cause some viewers distress (April 25, 2011) -- Even temporary "breakups" can be distressing for some people -- at least when it comes to their favorite television programs. A new study examined how college-aged television viewers reacted when their favorite shows went off the air or were replaced with reruns as a result of the television writers' strike of 2007-08. ... > full story

Study examines changes in medical students’ views about internal medicine careers (April 25, 2011) -- Compared with 1990, more medical students in 2007 viewed internal medicine as a potentially meaningful career; however, the majority of students are choosing other specialties, according to a new study. ... > full story

Study tests interventions targeting multiple health-related behaviors in African American couples (April 25, 2011) -- Interventions to promote healthy behaviors, including eating more fruits and vegetables, increasing physical activity, and participating in cancer screenings, as well as prevention of HIV/sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), appear beneficial for African-American couples who are at high risk for chronic diseases, especially if one of the individuals is living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), according to a new study. ... > full story

ACC/AHA issue first clinical guidance for controlling high blood pressure in the elderly (April 25, 2011) -- Faced with an aging patient population and compelling data that confirm the benefits of blood pressure-lowering medications in the elderly (e80 years), the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association today released the first expert consensus document to help clinicians reduce the risks for developing and effectively manage hypertension in older adults. ... > full story

Fighting HIV in South Africa should focus on couples, study finds (April 25, 2011) -- A survey of sexual behavior by more than 1,000 HIV-positive people found that risky behaviors are about as prevalent when long-term partners were HIV-positive, HIV-negative, or their status was unknown. The risk of the virus spreading within couples is therefore important to address, researchers argue. ... > full story

Brain bypass surgery sparks restoration of lost brain tissue (April 24, 2011) -- Neurosurgeons have for the first time initiated the restoration of lost brain tissue through brain bypass surgery in patients where blood flow to the brain is impaired by cerebrovascular disease. ... > full story

Decoding human genes is goal of new open-source encyclopedia (April 24, 2011) -- A massive database cataloging the functional components of the human genome is being made available as an open resource to scientists, classrooms, science writers, and the public, thanks to an international team of scientists. ... > full story

Discovery of relationship between proteins may impact development of cancer therapies (April 24, 2011) -- By identifying a surprising association of two intracellular proteins, researchers have laid the groundwork for the development of new therapies to treat B cell lymphomas and autoimmune disease. ... > full story

Move over Prozac: New drug offers hope for depression (April 24, 2011) -- The brain chemistry that underlies depression is incompletely understood, but research suggests that aberrant signaling by a chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor through its receptor TrkB, may contribute to anxiety and depression. Here, researchers describe a screen for stable small molecules that could specifically inhibit TrkB action. They identified one they dubbed ANA-12, which had potent behavioral effects when administered to mice that suggest it will have antidepressant and anti-anxiety activity in humans. ... > full story

Dietary, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce triglycerides (April 24, 2011) -- Diet and lifestyle changes that include substituting healthy fats for unhealthy saturated and trans fats, engaging in regular physical activity and losing excess weight can reduce triglycerides -- a blood fat -- by 20 percent to 50 percent. New clinical recommendations include reducing the optimal triglyceride level from ... > full story

Study suggests another look at testosterone-prostate cancer link (April 24, 2011) -- The long-standing prohibition against testosterone therapy in men with untreated or low-risk prostate cancer merits reevaluation, according to a new study. ... > full story

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