ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Friday, May 27, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Friday, May 27, 2011

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Omega-3 may cut risk of artery disease, heart attacks for patients with stents (May 27, 2011) -- New evidence indicates omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other foods may work with two blood-thinners to reduce the risk of heart attack in stent patients. Patients who received omega-3 fatty acids combined with two blood-thinning drugs after stent implantation in affected arteries had weaker clots than those who got only blood thinners. ... > full story

Structure formed by strep protein can trigger toxic shock (May 27, 2011) -- Strep can turn deadly when a protein found on its surface triggers a widespread inflammatory reaction. The protein links with a host protein that is normally involved in blood clotting to form scaffolds. These assemble into dense superstructures that immune cells mistake for blood clots and overreact, leading to sepsis, shock, organ failure and death. ... > full story

Gestational diabetes can be predicted seven years before pregnancy with blood sugar and body weight, study suggests (May 27, 2011) -- A woman's risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy can be identified up to seven years before she becomes pregnant based on routinely assessed measures of blood sugar and body weight, according to new research. ... > full story

Inability to cry in patients with Sjogrens syndrome affect emotional and mental well-being (May 27, 2011) -- Patients with Sjogren's syndrome, a systemic immune disease which affects the production of tears and saliva, reported worse mental well-being and more difficulty in identifying feelings than the healthy population, according to new research. ... > full story

Autism changes molecular structure of the brain: Discovery points to a common cause for multifaceted disease (May 27, 2011) -- For decades, autism researchers have faced a baffling riddle: how to unravel a disorder that leaves no known physical trace as it develops in the brain. Now a new study is the first to reveal how the disorder makes its mark at the molecular level, resulting in an autistic brain that differs dramatically in structure from a healthy one. The findings provide new insight into how genes and proteins go awry in autism to alter the mind. ... > full story

Aging, obsolete cells prime the lungs for pneumonia (May 27, 2011) -- Why are older people vulnerable to community-acquired pneumonia? A new study gives an explanation: cells that are supposed to die, but don't. ... > full story

Kidney transplants are faring better than previously reported, long-term study shows (May 27, 2011) -- The largest long-term study of kidney transplant recipients published to date demonstrates that progressive damage to kidney transplants may be less common and less severe than previously reported. ... > full story

Medicines from plants (May 27, 2011) -- Some people think of herbal teas, others of tobacco when they hear the buzzword 'medicines from plants'. One research team succeeded in producing biopharmaceuticals -- such as an antibody against HIV, for example -- in tobacco plants. ... > full story

High risk of Parkinson's disease for people exposed to pesticides near workplace: Pesticide ziram implicated as possible cause for disease (May 26, 2011) -- Researchers have found that exposure to certain pesticides increased the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) by three-fold, for non-farm workers who simply lived near fields being sprayed. Further, the study also implicates the pesticide ziram in the pathology of PD. ... > full story

Master gene may shed new light on lysosomal and neurodegenerative disorders (May 26, 2011) -- Cells, like ordinary households, produce "garbage" – debris and dysfunctional elements - that need disposal. When the mechanism for taking out this garbage fails, rare genetic diseases called lysosomal storage disorders (including Tay-Sachs, Batten and Fabry disease) can disable and even kill the children they affect. Researchers have now discovered a master gene that controls not only the lysosomes, which destroy the debris, but also cellular compartments called autophagosomes that encapsulate the material and fuse with the lysosomes to achieve the ultimate clearance of the cell's "garbage." ... > full story

Multitasking meds: Scientists discover how drug for leukemia, psoriasis, may tackle vascular disease (May 26, 2011) -- A drug that has been on the market for decades to treat leukemia and skin disorders such as acne and psoriasis may be a possible therapy for vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and hypertension, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. ... > full story

U.S. health: Cognitive decline incidence higher in southern Stroke Belt (May 26, 2011) -- New research shows that residents of the Stroke Belt -- a southern portion of the U.S. with significantly elevated stroke morality rate -- also have a greater incidence of cognitive decline than other regions of the country. Researchers believe shared risk factors among members of this population are to blame. ... > full story

Folic acid given to mother rats protects offspring from colon cancer (May 26, 2011) -- Folic acid supplements given to pregnant and breastfeeding rats reduced the rate of colon cancer in their offspring by 64 percent, a new study has found. ... > full story

Two gene classes linked to new prion formation (May 26, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered two classes of yeast genes that may hold clues as to why proteins take on the misfolded prion form, a condition associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, such as "mad cow." ... > full story

Scans show it's not only sight that helps us get our bearings (May 26, 2011) -- Our brain's understanding of spatial awareness is not triggered by sight alone, scientists have found, in a development that could help design technology for the visually impaired. Researchers have found that our brain can use other senses -- such as touch -- to help us understand spatial awareness. ... > full story

Immune system release valve: Scientists reveal a new mechanism for keeping inflammation in check (May 26, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered a mechanism that controls inflammation similarly to a steam-engine valve: just when the inflammatory mechanism that protects cells against viruses reaches its peak of activity, the molecular "steam-release valve" interferes, restoring this mechanism to its resting state, ready for re-activation. ... > full story

'I can hear a building over there:' Blind echolocation experts use 'visual' part of their brain to process the clicks and echoes (May 26, 2011) -- Researchers have recently shown that blind echolocation experts use what is normally the "visual" part of their brain to process the clicks and echoes. The study is the first to investigate the neural basis of natural human echolocation. ... > full story

Antibiotics overused for children with asthma and urinary tract infections, studies suggest (May 26, 2011) -- Some antibiotics may be overused for children with asthma and urinary tract infections, new research suggests. The findings raise concerns around breeding drug resistance in children and underscore the need for pediatricians to take a more prudent approach when prescribing antibiotic medications. In the case of asthma, the findings have led to a new trial, in which the value of targeted antibiotics is being tested. ... > full story

Children experience wrist and finger pain when using gaming devices and mobile phones over time, study suggests (May 26, 2011) -- For the first time, results on the impact of gaming devices on finger and wrist pain in children were presented. Data comparing two schools in the USA demonstrate that young children experience high levels of pain following long term use of gaming devices and mobile phones indicating that excessive gaming may negatively impact on joint health. ... > full story

Healthy gut flora could prevent obesity, rat study suggests (May 26, 2011) -- Poor gut flora is believed to trigger obesity. In the same way, healthy gut flora could reduce the risk. This has shown to be the case in tests on rats. ... > full story

'Guide vests': Robotic navigation aids for the visually impaired (May 26, 2011) -- Researchers are developing a robot vision-based mobility aid for the visually impaired that uses head-carried cameras linked to Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) software to build maps of the environment and identify a safe path through obstacles. The information is conveyed to the user through a guide vest that includes four micro motors located on an individual's shoulder and waist that vibrate like cell phones. ... > full story

Diabetics at higher risk of tuberculosis infection, researchers find (May 26, 2011) -- People with diabetes have a three to five times higher risk of contracting tuberculosis than non-diabetics, according to researchers. ... > full story

Monkeys can play Monday morning quarterback, too (May 26, 2011) -- Regret has long been viewed as an exclusively human thought, one which helps prevent us from repeating bad choices but becomes debilitating when it triggers obsessive thoughts about past actions. Now a new study shows that monkeys also can be Monday morning quarterbacks and visualize alternative, hypothetical outcomes. ... > full story

Polypill halves predicted heart disease and stroke risk, study suggests (May 26, 2011) -- The world's first international polypill trial has shown that a four-in-one combination pill can halve the predicted risk of heart disease and stroke. The once-a-day polypill contains aspirin and agents to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. These drugs are currently prescribed separately to millions of patients and are known individually to cut the risk of disease, but many experts believe that combining them into a single pill will encourage people to take the medications more reliably. ... > full story

Quantum sensor tracked in human cells could aid drug discovery (May 26, 2011) -- Groundbreaking research has shown a quantum atom has been tracked inside a living human cell and may lead to improvements in the testing and development of new drugs. ... > full story

Losing more than 15 percent of body weight significantly boosts vitamin D levels in overweight women (May 26, 2011) -- Overweight or obese women with less-than-optimal levels of vitamin D who lose more than 15 percent of their body weight experience significant increases in circulating levels of this fat-soluble nutrient, according to a new study. ... > full story

Moderate sleep and less stress may help with weight loss (May 26, 2011) -- If you want to increase your chances of losing weight, reduce your stress level and get adequate sleep. A new study found that people trying to lose at least 10 pounds were more likely to reach that goal if they had lower stress levels and slept more than six hours but not more than eight hours a night. ... > full story

Intuitions regarding geometry are universal, study suggests (May 26, 2011) -- All human beings may have the ability to understand elementary geometry, independently of their culture or their level of education. In a spherical universe, researchers found that Amazonian Indians gave better answers than French or North American participants who, by virtue of learning geometry at school, acquire greater familiarity with planar geometry than with spherical geometry. ... > full story

Protein drinks after exercise help older people build stronger muscles than those who drink carbohydrate beverages, study suggests (May 26, 2011) -- A new research report shows that what someone drinks after exercise plays a critical role in maximizing the effects of exercise. Specifically, the report shows that protein drinks after aerobic activity increases the training effect after six weeks, when compared to carbohydrate drinks. Additionally, this study suggests that this effect can be seen using as little as 20 grams of protein. ... > full story

Long-term use of antibiotic to treat acne not associated with increased bacterial resistance, study finds (May 26, 2011) -- The prolonged use of tetracycline antibiotics commonly used to treat acne was associated with a reduced prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and was not associated with increased resistance to the tetracycline antibiotics, according to a new study. ... > full story

Biomedical imaging: Ultrasound guide star and time-reversal mirror can focus light deep under the skin (May 26, 2011) -- Focusing light into a scattering medium such as tissue has been a dream since the beginning of biomedical optics. Previous techniques allowed light to be focused only within a millimeter of the skin. Now a scientist has invented a technique called TRUE that uses an ultrasound guide star to allow scattered optical light be focused deep within tissue. ... > full story

Young adults' beliefs about their health clash with risky behaviors (May 26, 2011) -- Nine out of 10 Americans between ages 18-24 believe they're living healthy lifestyles -- yet most eat too much fast food, drink too many alcoholic and sugar-sweetened beverages and engage in other behaviors that could put them at risk of stroke, according to a new study. ... > full story

Scientists trick the brain into experiencing Barbie-doll size (May 26, 2011) -- Imagine shrinking to the size of a doll in your sleep. When you wake up, will you perceive yourself as tiny or the world as being populated by giants? Researchers may have found the answer. Researchers found that the size of our bodies has a profound effect on how we perceive the space around us. ... > full story

Unique nerve-stimulation treatment proves effective against drug-resistant epilepsy, study suggests (May 26, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a noninvasive, nonpharmaceutical treatment called trigeminal nerve stimulation to control epileptic seizures. ... > full story

Substance in tangerines fights obesity and protects against heart disease, research suggests (May 26, 2011) -- A substance in tangerines not only helps to prevent obesity, but also offers protection against type 2 diabetes, and even atherosclerosis, the underlying disease responsible for most heart attacks and strokes, new research suggests. ... > full story

Babies born earlier in areas near busy road junctions (May 26, 2011) -- A study of 970 women and their babies found that living near a large number of road junctions increased the risk of pre-term birth. ... > full story

Thirty percent of women would trade at least one year of their life to achieve their ideal body weight and shape, UK study finds (May 26, 2011) -- New research in the UK has found that 30 percent of women would trade at least one year of their life to achieve their ideal body weight and shape. ... > full story

Violent video games reduce brain response to violence and increase aggressive behavior, study suggests (May 26, 2011) -- Scientists have known for years that playing violent video games causes players to become more aggressive. The findings of a new study provide one explanation for why this occurs: the brains of violent video game players become less responsive to violence, and this diminished brain response predicts an increase in aggression. ... > full story

Pelvic widening continues throughout a person's lifetime (May 26, 2011) -- A new study has found evidence that, even though you're not getting taller anymore, the pelvis ("hipbones") does continue to widen as people advance in age from 20 years to 79 years. ... > full story

Orthodontic researchers ask: Where's your retainer? (May 26, 2011) -- Have you been wearing your retainer? It's a question countless parents ask of their children post-braces. Now researchers are getting serious about the question. ... > full story

Personal music selections change when they can be viewed by the public (May 26, 2011) -- Providing information on your music consumption publicly can change it. A small study finds that people are willing to put a lot of effort into maintaining a desirable public image, yet they also want to be truthful. When information about music preferences is published automatically, youth and young adults are reluctant to digitally "cheat" about their musical choices. Instead, they change the music they listen to. ... > full story

Music therapy relieves fibromyalgia symptoms and improves patients’ quality of life (May 26, 2011) -- Researchers have shown that music therapy combined with other relaxation techniques based on guided imagery significantly reduces pain, depression and anxiety, and improves sleep among patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Thus, this therapy enhances patients' quality of life. This experimental study has shown that these two techniques enhance the well-being and personal power of patients with fibromyalgia. ... > full story

UK survey shows differences between clinicians treating rheumatology in pregnancy (May 26, 2011) -- Results from a UK health-care practitioner study outline a lack of uniform practice between health-care professionals and highlight a strong need for guidelines on the treatments prescribed to patients with rheumatic conditions during conception, pregnancy and during the breastfeeding period. ... > full story

Music game for autistic children unveiled (May 26, 2011) -- A musical computer game to help children with autism learn and relax has been unveiled by graduate students in the UK. ... > full story

Researchers recommend preparticipation cardiac screening for college athletes (May 26, 2011) -- Sudden cardiac death in young athletes who had not previously exhibited symptoms is a relatively rare yet tragic event. This occurs in around 60-80 young athletes annually in the United States. In a new study, researchers collected electrocardiograms and echocardiograms of 964 athletes at a single university and found that distinct ECG abnormalities were present in 10% and were more common in males as well as black athletes. Two athletes were subsequently excluded from competition. ... > full story

Large rehabilitation study looks at getting stroke patients back on their feet (May 25, 2011) -- In the largest stroke rehabilitation study ever conducted in the United States, stroke patients who had physical therapy at home improved their ability to walk just as well as those who were treated in a training program that requires the use of a body-weight supported treadmill device followed by walking practice. ... > full story

Long-term study of swine flu viruses shows increasing viral diversity (May 25, 2011) -- Although swine influenza viruses usually sicken only pigs, potentially one might also spark a pandemic in people, as occurred with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Because few long-term studies have surveyed flu viruses in swine, however, gaps exist in what is known about the evolution of swine influenza viruses and the conditions that enable a swine virus to infect humans and cause disease. Increased transportation of live pigs appears to have driven an increase in the diversity of swine influenza viruses found in the animals in Hong Kong over the last three decades, according to a new study. ... > full story

2020 vision of vaccines for malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS (May 25, 2011) -- In a new article, experts discuss recent advances in vaccine development. New tools including systems biology and structure-based antigen design could lead to a deeper understanding of mechanisms of protection and illuminate the path to rational vaccine development to lift the burden of the world's most devastating infectious diseases. ... > full story

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