ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Monday, August 1, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Monday, August 1, 2011

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Engineering innovative hand-held lab-on-a-chip could streamline blood testing worldwide (August 1, 2011) -- Biomedical engineering professors have developed an innovative strategy for an integrated microfluidic-based diagnostic device that can perform complex laboratory assays, with such simplicity that these tests can be carried out in the most remote regions of the world. Successfully tested in Rwanda, the mChip diagnoses diseases like HIV and syphilis at patients' bedsides. ... > full story

Genome-wide study reveals three new susceptibility loci for adult asthma in Japanese population (August 1, 2011) -- Researchers have identified three new loci associated with susceptibility to adult asthma in the Japanese population. ... > full story

New discoveries on gene regulation in the evolution of the vertebrate brain (August 1, 2011) -- Alternative splicing of RNA transcripts is a process leading to differential gene expression and the production of different proteins, which is the key to cell differentiation and a foundation of many diseases. Researchers have now described the generation of a gene network regulated by the splicing factor NOVA1 during the development of the central nervous system in vertebrates. ... > full story

The role of relaxation in consumer behavior (August 1, 2011) -- A study finds that states of relaxation consistently increase the monetary valuations of products, actually inflating these valuations by about 10 percent. ... > full story

Increasing potency of HIV-battling proteins (August 1, 2011) -- When it comes to a small HIV-fighting protein, called cyanovirin-N, researchers have found that two are better than one. ... > full story

A cellular protein can reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells (August 1, 2011) -- Researchers have found new hope for cancer survival. Their findings show that maspin, a cellular protein, can reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells from 75 percent-40 percent when localized in the nucleus. These findings show the location of maspin within the cell significantly influences cancer cells' behavior, determining how aggressive the disease will be and how positive patient outcomes will be. ... > full story

Increased risk of Parkinson's disease in methamphetamine users, study finds (August 1, 2011) -- People who abused methamphetamine or other amphetamine-like stimulants are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those who do not, according to a new study. ... > full story

Researchers target, switch off serotonin-producing neurons in mice; New insights may be relevant to sudden infant death syndrome (July 31, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a toolkit that enables them to turn off targeted cell populations while leaving others unaffected. The group focused on serotonin-producing neurons, observing how mice behave in a normal environment when suddenly their serotonin neurons are turned down. ... > full story

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics: The more they resist, the more they divide (July 31, 2011) -- The number of multiresistant strains of bacteria in hospitals is increasing. Bacteria acquire resistance to antibiotics through mutations in their chromosomes and by incorporating new genes, either from the surrounding environment or from other bacteria. Now, researchers in Portugal have shown that, surprisingly, when both mechanisms of resistance are playing out in the bacterium E. coli, its ability to survive and reproduce is increased. ... > full story

Using a 'systems biology' approach to look under the hood of an aggressive form of breast cancer (July 31, 2011) -- Using a "systems biology" approach -- which focuses on understanding the complex relationships between biological systems -- to look under the hood of an aggressive form of breast cancer, researchers for the first time have identified a set of proteins in the blood that change in abundance long before the cancer is clinically detectable. ... > full story

Restoring happiness in people with depression (July 31, 2011) -- Practicing positive activities may serve as an effective, low-cost treatment for people suffering from depression, according to researchers. This new approach has the potential to benefit depressed individuals who don't respond to pharmacotherapy or are not able or willing to obtain treatment, and promises to yield rapid improvement of mood symptoms, holds little to no stigma, and carries no side effects. ... > full story

How bats stay on target despite the clutter (July 30, 2011) -- Neuroscientists have learned how bats can remain on target despite obstacles. The key lies in bats' neural response to echoes from their sonar pulses: Differences in delay as short as 3 microseconds between parts of an echo is enough to tell the bat the object may not be its target. The research could lead to more precise targeting by sonar-led vehicles. ... > full story

Mouse with 'off switch' in key brain cell population developed; Research may increase understanding of SIDS, depressive disorders (July 30, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a strain of mice with a built-in off switch that can selectively shut down the animals' serotonin-producing cells, which make up a brain network controlling breathing, temperature regulation and mood. The switch controls only the serotonin-producing cells, and does not affect any other cells in the animal's brains or bodies. ... > full story

Fast ripples confirmed to be valuable biomarker of area responsible for seizure activity in children (July 30, 2011) -- New research focusing on high-frequency oscillations, termed ripples and fast ripples, recorded by intracranial electroencephalography, may provide an important marker for the localization of the brain region responsible for seizure activity. According to the study the resection of brain regions containing fast ripples, along with the visually-identified seizure-onset zone, may achieve a good seizure outcome in pediatric epilepsy. ... > full story

Dissecting dyslexia: Linking reading to voice recognition (July 30, 2011) -- When people recognize voices, part of what helps make voice recognition accurate is noticing how people pronounce words differently. But individuals with dyslexia don't experience this familiar language advantage, say researchers. ... > full story

Motorcycle helmets hard on hearing (July 30, 2011) -- Motorcycle helmets, while protecting bikers' brains, may also be contributing to hearing loss. Scientists mapped the airflow and noise patterns to find out why. ... > full story

Breast screening has had little to do with falling breast cancer deaths, European study finds (July 30, 2011) -- Breast cancer screening has not played a direct part in the reductions of breast cancer mortality in recent years, according to a new European study. ... > full story

Oral interferon may prevent and control avian influenza virus infection (July 29, 2011) -- Avian influenza virus is a threat to the commercial chicken industry and, with its recent rapid spread across China, has also shown the ability for transmission from chickens to humans and other mammals. ... > full story

Cellular power plant genome mutates when reprogrammed: Genetic changes in mitochondrial genome of human induced pluripotent stem cells (July 29, 2011) -- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) are truly talented multi-taskers. They can reproduce almost all cell types and thus offer great hope in the fight against diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. However, it would appear that their use is not entirely without risk: during the reprogramming of body cells into iPS cells, disease-causing mutations can creep into the genetic material. The genome of the mitochondria -- the cell's protein factories -- is particularly vulnerable to such changes, according to new research. Scientists encountered mutations in the mitochondrial genome of iPS cells. Because such genetic mutations can cause diseases, the cells should be tested for such mutations before being used for clinical applications. ... > full story

Packing on pounds riskier for South Asians, say researchers (July 29, 2011) -- A new study has found that some ethnic groups are more likely to be adding dangerous fat onto their internal organs like their liver when they gain weight, while others just add it to their waistline. ... > full story

Fair play -- a question of self-image? Researchers explain conditions under which people are prepared to behave fairly (July 29, 2011) -- Why do people behave selfishly and accept that their behavior may have negative consequences for others? Researchers in Germany investigated this question in a laboratory experiment. They found that such behavior often depends on whether information about the consequences for others can be ignored. Based on their findings, the researchers believe that conclusions can be drawn on, for instance, how the marketing of fair trade products could be improved. ... > full story

'Brain cap' technology turns thought into motion; Mind-machine interface could lead to new life-changing technologies for millions of people (July 29, 2011) -- "Brain cap" technology now being developed allows users to turn their thoughts into motion. Researchers have created a noninvasive, sensor-lined cap with neural interface software that soon could be used to control computers, robotic prosthetic limbs, motorized wheelchairs and even digital avatars. ... > full story

Traumatic brain injury linked with tenfold increase in stroke risk (July 29, 2011) -- Suffering a trauma to the brain may increase the risk of stroke tenfold within three months, according to new research. This is the first study to show a direct correlation between traumatic brain injury and stroke. Researchers suggest neuroimaging, intensive monitoring and stroke education for anyone incurring a traumatic brain injury. ... > full story

Out-of-the-blue panic attacks aren't without warning: Body sends signals for hour before (July 29, 2011) -- Panic attacks that seem to strike out-of-the-blue are not without warning after all, says psychologists. A new study found significant physiological instability one hour before patients reported feeling a panic attack. The patients wore portable recorders around-the-clock that monitored bodily functions like respiration and heart rate. The findings suggest potentially new treatments for panic, and re-examination of other "unexpected" medical problems, including seizures, strokes and manic episodes. ... > full story

Gene discovery in truffle dogs sheds new light on mechanisms of childhood epilepsy (July 29, 2011) -- A new epilepsy gene, LGI2, has been found in the Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, known from their gift for truffle hunting. ... > full story

Scary driving? Put the brakes on using your brain power (July 29, 2011) -- Researchers have used drivers' brain signals, for the first time, to assist in braking, providing much quicker reaction times and a potential solution to the thousands of car accidents that are caused by human error. ... > full story

Next generation gene therapy (July 29, 2011) -- Inspired by earlier successes using gene therapy to correct an inherited type of blindness, investigators are poised to extend their approach to other types of blinding disorders. In a new study, researchers compared the safety and efficiency of delivery in an animal model of two different types of vectors. This preclinical work will guide dose-level formulation and type of vector to deliver genes to treat blindness caused by the loss of photoreceptors. ... > full story

Salt appetite is linked to drug addiction, research finds (July 29, 2011) -- A team of U.S. and Australian scientists has found that addictive drugs may have hijacked the same nerve cells and connections in the brain that serve a powerful, ancient instinct: the appetite for salt. ... > full story

Rate of stroke increasing among women during, soon after pregnancy (July 29, 2011) -- Researchers report a large increase in the number of women having strokes while pregnant and in the three months after childbirth. The overall rate of pregnancy-related stroke went up 54 percent between 1994-95 and 2006-07. The increase is due to women having more risk factors, including high blood pressure and obesity. ... > full story

How the brain keeps track of what we're doing (July 29, 2011) -- "Working memory" is what we have to keep track of things moment to moment: driving on a highway and focusing on the vehicles around us, then forgetting them as we move on; remembering all the names at the dinner party while conversing with one person about her job. ... > full story

Aging brains are different in humans and chimpanzees; Evolution of human longevity led to both a large brain and brain shrinkage (July 29, 2011) -- Brains shrink in humans, potentially causing a number of health problems and mental illnesses as people age, but do they shrink to the same extent in the closest living relatives to humans -- the chimpanzees? ... > full story

New gene for intellectual disability discovered (July 29, 2011) -- A new gene linked to intellectual disability was just discovered. To date, MAN1B1 is the eighth known gene connected with recessive intellectual disability, but there are likely many more involved. ... > full story

Study finds new points of attack on breast cancers not fueled by estrogen (July 29, 2011) -- Although it sounds like a case of gender confusion on a molecular scale, the male hormone androgen spurs the growth of some breast tumors in women. In a new study, scientists provide the first details of the cancer cell machinery that carries out the hormone's relentless growth orders. ... > full story

Discovery throws light on blood pressure regulation (July 29, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered that a protein found in the walls of blood vessels plays a key role in maintaining healthy blood pressure -- a discovery that could one day lead to new treatments for people with high blood pressure. ... > full story

Vessel-damaging activation of the 'intracellular waste disposal' mechanism found in smokers (July 29, 2011) -- Researchers have found that substances found in cigarette smoke lead to blood vessels’ endothelial cells constantly digesting themselves. This permanent damage to the interior surface of the blood vessels leads, amongst others, to calcification of the arteries, as the recently published study confirms. ... > full story

Progressive telomere shortening characterizes familial breast cancer patients (July 29, 2011) -- Telomeres of peripheral blood cells are significantly shorter in patients with familial breast cancer than in the general population. Results of the study carried out by a Human Genetics Group, to be published in open-access journal PLoS Genetics on July 28, reflect that familial, but not sporadic, breast cancer cases are characterized by shorter telomeres. Importantly, they also provide evidence for telomere shortening as a mechanism of the successively earlier onset of cancer down generations. ... > full story

Teacher influence persists in early grades (July 29, 2011) -- Having consistently good teachers in elementary school appears to be as important for student achievement as small class sizes, according to new research. ... > full story

World population to surpass 7 billion in 2011; Explosive population growth means challenges for developing nations (July 28, 2011) -- Global population is expected to hit 7 billion later this year, up from 6 billion in 1999. Between now and 2050, an estimated 2.3 billion more people will be added -- nearly as many as inhabited the planet as recently as 1950. New estimates from the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations also project that the population will reach 10.1 billion in 2100. ... > full story

Unexpected discovery on hormone secretion (July 28, 2011) -- Geneticists have made an unexpected discovery on hormone secretion. Contrary to common belief, the researchers found that pituitary cells are organized in structured networks. ... > full story

Home is where the healthy meal is (July 28, 2011) -- Can a cozy dining table and nice music prompt people to reach for the greens and go light on dessert? So suggests a new study probing why people tend to eat more-nutritious meals at home than away from home. ... > full story

New therapy may help people with unexplained symptoms of pain, weakness and fatigue (July 28, 2011) -- A new type of therapy may help people with symptoms such as pain, weakness, or dizziness that can't be explained by an underlying disease, according to a new study. These symptoms, which can also include fatigue, tingling and numbness, are also known as functional or psychogenic symptoms. ... > full story

The brain's connectome -- from branch to branch (July 28, 2011) -- Scientists have developed new analytical tools for fast and accurate reconstruction of neural networks. ... > full story

A heart-rate-reducing medication reduces the risk of heart failure and cardiac fibrosis (July 28, 2011) -- A new study suggest that ivabradine, a heart rate reduction medication, is also effective in reducing the risk of diastolic heart failure (left ventricular insufficiency) and cardiac fibrosis. ... > full story

'Mirroring' might reflect badly on you (July 28, 2011) -- The benefits of body-language mimicry have been confirmed by numerous psychological studies. And in popular culture, mirroring is frequently urged on people as a strategy -- for flirting or having a successful date, for closing a sale or acing a job interview. But new research suggests that mirroring may not always lead to positive social outcomes. In fact, sometimes the smarter thing to do is to refrain. ... > full story

How a gene linked to both Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes works (July 28, 2011) -- Researchers have identified how a gene for a protein that can cause type 2 diabetes, also possibly kills nerve cells in the brain, thereby contributing to Alzheimer's disease. ... > full story

Gout prevalence swells in U.S. over last two decades; Increase in obesity and hypertension are likely contributors (July 28, 2011) -- A new study shows the prevalence of gout in the United States has risen over the last twenty years and now affects 8.3 million Americans. Prevalence of increased uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) also rose, affecting 43.3 million adults in the U.S. Greater frequency of obesity and hypertension may be associated with the jump in prevalence rates, according to the findings. ... > full story

Increased muscle mass may lower risk of pre-diabetes: Study shows building muscle can lower person's risk of insulin resistance (July 28, 2011) -- A recent study has found that the greater an individual's total muscle mass, the lower the person's risk of having insulin resistance, the major precursor of type 2 diabetes. ... > full story

Researchers look to dogs to better understand intricacies of bone cancer (July 28, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a gene pattern that distinguishes the more severe form of bone cancer from a less aggressive form in dogs. ... > full story

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