ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Wednesday, August 3, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Wednesday, August 3, 2011

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Why diets don't work: Starved brain cells eat themselves, study finds (August 3, 2011) -- A new report might help to explain why it's so frustratingly difficult to stick to a diet. When we don't eat, hunger-inducing neurons in the brain start eating bits of themselves. That act of self-cannibalism turns up a hunger signal to prompt eating. ... > full story

Even with regular exercise, people with inactive lifestyles more at risk for chronic diseases (August 3, 2011) -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25 percent of Americans have inactive lifestyles (they take fewer than 5,000 steps a day) and 75 percent do not meet the weekly exercise recommendations (150 minutes of moderate activity each week and muscle-strengthening activity twice a week) to maintain good health. After reviewing recent literature, researchers contend that physical inactivity is the primary cause of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease. ... > full story

Persons displaced by war at increased risk of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety (August 3, 2011) -- Residents of Sri Lanka who were internally displaced during the civil conflict that occurred in their country from 1983 to 2009 have a higher prevalence of war-related mental health conditions that include depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder, according to a new study. ... > full story

How do you stop tasting? Protein inside taste cells turn off bitter taste (August 3, 2011) -- New findings may lend insight into why some people are especially sensitive to bitter tastes. Researchers have identified a protein inside of taste cells that acts to shorten bitter taste signals. Mice lacking the gene for this taste terminator protein are more sensitive to bitter taste and also find it more aversive. ... > full story

RIBA-II: The next generation care-giving robot (August 3, 2011) -- A new robot using high-precision tactile sensors and flexible motor control technology has taken Japan one step closer to its goal of providing high-quality care for its growing elderly population. The new robot can lift a patient up to 80 kilograms in weight off floor-level bedding and into a wheelchair, freeing care facility personnel of one of their most difficult and energy-consuming tasks. ... > full story

Aging: T cells that survive the longest may better protect against infections such as the flu (August 3, 2011) -- Aging brings about a selective decline in the numbers and function of T cells -- a type of white blood cell involved in the immune system's response to infection -- and T cells that survive the longest may better protect against infections such as the flu, according to a new study. The finding may lead to targeting these cells with vaccinations that increase their number and improve protection against disease in older adults. ... > full story

Academics 'guest authoring' ghostwritten medical journal articles should be charged with fraud, legal experts argue (August 3, 2011) -- Two law professors argue that academics who "lend" their names, and receive substantial credit, as guest authors of medical and scientific articles ghostwritten by industry writers, should be charged with professional and academic misconduct and fraud, even if they contain factually correct information. ... > full story

Long periods of estrogen deprivation jeopardizes brain receptors, stroke protection (August 2, 2011) -- Prolonged estrogen deprivation in aging rats dramatically reduces the number of brain receptors for the hormone as well as its ability to prevent strokes, researchers report. However the damage is forestalled if estrogen replacement begins shortly after hormone levels drop, according to a new study. ... > full story

Mice point to a therapy for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (August 2, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a mouse model for Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathy, a hereditary disease of the peripheral nervous system. They also found a potential therapy for this incurable disease. The treatment not only halted the damage to the nerves and the atrophy of the muscles, it even succeeded in reversing the symptoms. ... > full story

Satisfaction in body function, body appearance differs in older men and women (August 2, 2011) -- When it comes to satisfaction with body function and body appearance, older men and women have different opinions, although physical activity does improve satisfaction in both sexes, according to new study. ... > full story

Scientist converts human skin cells into functional brain cells (August 2, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered a novel way to convert human skin cells into brain cells, advancing medicine and human health by offering new hope for regenerative medicine and personalized drug discovery and development. ... > full story

Regrowing blood vessels with a potent molecule (August 2, 2011) -- Medical researchers have developed a minimally invasive method of delivering growth factor to regrow blood vessels. This research could be used to treat heart disease, the most common cause of death in the Western world. ... > full story

Researchers help find natural products potential of frankia bacteria (August 2, 2011) -- Soil-dwelling bacteria of the genus Frankia have the potential to produce a multitude of natural products, including antibiotics, herbicides, pigments, anticancer agents, and other useful products, according to a new article. ... > full story

Brain chemical may explain why heavy smokers feel sad after quitting (August 2, 2011) -- Heavy smokers may experience sadness after quitting because early withdrawal leads to an increase in the mood-related brain protein monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), a new study has shown. This finding may also explain why heavy smokers are at high risk for clinical depression. ... > full story

New study identifies emergence of multidrug-resistant strain of salmonella (August 2, 2011) -- A new study has identified the recent emergence of a multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella that has a high level resistance to ciprofloxacin, a common treatment for severe Salmonella infections. ... > full story

Minority microbes in the colon mapped (August 2, 2011) -- They make up less than one-hundredth of 1 percent of the microbes that live in the colon, but the bacteria and archaea that sop up hydrogen in the gut are fundamental to colon health. In a new study, researchers take a first look at these "hydrogenotrophic" microbes, mapping where they live and how abundant they are in different parts of the lower intestine. ... > full story

Inexpensive method detects ALK rearrangement in lung cancer patients (August 2, 2011) -- A relatively simple and inexpensive method may be used to determine whether a lung cancer patient is a candidate for crizotinib therapy, according to new research. ... > full story

COPD patients with sense of humor feel better, but laughter may be bad for lungs (August 2, 2011) -- Having a sense of humor is associated with improved emotional functioning and an enhanced quality of life among patients with a chronic lung illness, but the actual act of laughing out loud can reduce lung function, at least in the short term, research suggests. The study evaluated humor and laughter in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. ... > full story

'Swamp gas' protects blood vessels from complications of diabetes (August 2, 2011) -- Hydrogen sulfide is a foul-smelling gas with an odor resembling that of rotten eggs. Sometimes called "swamp gas," this toxic substance is generally associated with decaying vegetation, sewers and noxious industrial emissions. And -- as odd as it may seem -- it also plays a critical role in protecting blood vessels from the complications of diabetes. ... > full story

Monkey see, monkey do? The role of mirror neurons in human behavior (August 2, 2011) -- We are all familiar with the phrase "monkey see, monkey do" -- but have we actually thought about what it means? Over the last two decades, neuroscience research has been investigating whether this popular saying has a real basis in human behavior. ... > full story

Pilot study suggests new approach to treat preeclampsia (August 2, 2011) -- A novel therapy that reduces elevated blood levels of a potentially toxic protein in women with preeclampsia, a dangerous complication of pregnancy, may someday address the therapeutic dilemma posed by the condition -- balancing life-threatening risks to the mother with the dangers that early delivery poses to an immature fetus. ... > full story

Parents' conflicts affect adopted infants' sleep (August 2, 2011) -- When parents fight, infants are likely to lose sleep, researchers report. New parents often report sleep as being the most problematic of their child's behavior. Researchers found that poor sleep patterns in children from ages 9 to 18 months are likely influenced by conflict in their parents' marriage. ... > full story

Exposure to magnetic fields in pregnancy increases asthma risk, study suggests (August 2, 2011) -- Women with high exposure to magnetic fields during pregnancy may have a higher risk of asthma in their children, according to a new study. ... > full story

Bear bile chemical could help keep hearts in rhythm (August 2, 2011) -- A synthesized compound which is also found in bear bile could help prevent disturbances in the heart's normal rhythm, according to new research. ... > full story

Withdrawal from heavy cigarette smoking associated with brain imaging changes in regions related to mood regulation (August 2, 2011) -- Findings from a brain imaging study may provide clues for why some individuals with heavy cigarette-smoking habits experience depressed mood upon withdrawal from smoking, according to a new study., ... > full story

Restoring blood flow after a heart attack: Nanostructure promotes growth of new blood vessels, mimics natural protein (August 2, 2011) -- Tissue deprived of oxygen (ischemia) is a serious health condition that can lead to damaged heart tissue following a heart attack and, in the case of peripheral arterial disease in limbs, amputation, particularly in diabetic patients. Now researchers have developed a novel nanostructure that promotes the growth of new blood vessels and shows promise as a therapy for conditions where increased blood flow is needed to supply oxygen to tissue. ... > full story

New sensor promises rapid detection of dangerous heavy metal levels in humans (August 2, 2011) -- Researchers have developed the first lab-on-a-chip sensor to provide fast feedback regarding levels of the heavy metal manganese in humans. The sensor is both environmentally and child friendly, and will first be field tested in Marietta, Ohio, where researchers arae leading a long-term health study on the potential health effects of heavy metals. ... > full story

The dark side of oxytocin (August 2, 2011) -- For a hormone, oxytocin is pretty famous. It's the "cuddle chemical" -- the hormone that helps mothers bond with their babies. Salespeople can buy oxytocin spray on the internet, to make their clients trust them. It's known for promoting positive feelings, but more recent research has found that oxytocin can promote negative emotions, too. ... > full story

Colon cleansing has no benefit but many side effects including vomiting and death, doctors say (August 2, 2011) -- Colon cleansing -- it's been described as a natural way to enhance well-being, but doctors say there's no evidence to back that claim. In fact, their review of scientific literature demonstrates that colon cleansing can cause side effects ranging from cramping and to renal failure and death. ... > full story

Artificial nanoparticles influence heart rate and rhythm, study finds (August 2, 2011) -- Artificial nanoparticles are becoming increasingly pervasive in modern life. However, their influences on our health remain largely shrouded in mystery. Using a so-called Langendorff heart, a team of scientists in Germany has now for the first time shown that selected artificial nanoparticles have a direct effect on heart rate and heart rhythm. ... > full story

Mechanism of sculpting the plasma membrane of intestinal cells identified (August 2, 2011) -- Scientists have identified a previously unknown mechanism which modifies the structure of plasma membranes in intestinal epithelial cells. Unlike other proteins with a similar function, the new protein -- named 'Pinkbar' by the researchers - creates planar membrane sheets. Further research investigates the potential connection of this protein with various intestinal disorders. ... > full story

New research might help people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (August 2, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a mechanism in the brain that explains for the first time why people make particularly strong, long-lasting memories of stressful events in their lives. ... > full story

High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and obesity in middle age may shrink brain, damage thinking (August 2, 2011) -- A new study suggests smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and being overweight in middle age may cause brain shrinkage and lead to cognitive problems up to a decade later. ... > full story

Researchers use improved imaging technique and discover a better approach to diagnosing epilepsy (August 2, 2011) -- Using state-of-the-art, 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, researchers may have uncovered a better approach to diagnosing epilepsy. ... > full story

Childhood adversities and early-onset mental disorders associated with higher rates of chronic physical problems in adulthood (August 2, 2011) -- Children who experience psychosocial adversities and early-onset mental disorders appear to be at increased risk of developing chronic physical conditions later in life, according to a new study. ... > full story

Noninvasive fecal occult blood test effective screen for lower GI tract lesions (August 2, 2011) -- The immunochemical fecal occult blood test is effective for predicting lesions in the lower intestine but not in the upper gastrointestinal tract, confirms a new study. ... > full story

Chinese-English bilinguals are 'automatic' translators (August 2, 2011) -- New research into how the bilingual brain processes two very different languages has revealed that bilinguals' native language directly influences their comprehension of their second language. ... > full story

Menu labels in university canteens do not influence meal choices (August 2, 2011) -- Menu labels with nutrition information on canteen meals do not influence students’ meal choices and nutrient intakes, concludes a new study. The study results appear just now that cities such as New York and Philadelphia require fast-food restaurants and vending machines to include nutrition information. ... > full story

Heart attack survivors from poorer neighborhoods get less exercise (August 2, 2011) -- Engaging in physical activity after a heart attack is known to increase the odds of survival. Researchers have found that myocardial infarction survivors who lived in low socioeconomic status neighborhoods engaged in lower levels of leisure-time physical activity compared to survivors from wealthier neighborhoods. ... > full story

In the battle to relieve back aches, researchers create bioengineered spinal disc implants (August 1, 2011) -- Engineers and doctors have created a biologically based spinal implant that could someday spell relief for these countless back and neck pain sufferers. ... > full story

Cholesterol-lowering drugs may help prevent recurrent strokes in younger people (August 1, 2011) -- New research indicates cholesterol lowering drugs known as statins may help prevent future strokes among young people who have already had a stroke. ... > full story

Why long-term antibiotic use increases infection with a mycobacterium (August 1, 2011) -- The clinical outcome is improved if patients with chronic lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis are treated long-term with the antibiotic azithromycin. However, azithromycin treatment in patients with cystic fibrosis as recently associated with increased infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria. Now, researchers have confirmed that long-term use of azithromycin by adults with cystic fibrosis is associated with infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria and identified an underlying mechanism. ... > full story

Majority of adolescents with prescriptions for pain, stimulant, sleeping and antianxiety medications take them appropriately, study finds (August 1, 2011) -- Adolescents who misuse controlled medications (e.g., pain, stimulant, sleeping and antianxiety medications) for which they have a legitimate prescription may be more likely to abuse other substances and to sell, give or trade their controlled medications to other individuals, according to a new study. ... > full story

Some exercise is better than none: More is better to reduce heart disease risk (August 1, 2011) -- Researchers found that 2.5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity per week can lower the overall risk of heart disease by 14 percent. This is the first review to quantify the amount of physical activity that is required to lower the risk of heart disease; others suggest only qualitative estimates. ... > full story

Indoor air cleaners ease asthma symptoms in children living with smokers, study suggests (August 1, 2011) -- Children who have asthma and live with smokers shows that indoor air cleaners can greatly reduce household air pollution and lower the rates of daytime asthma symptoms to those achieved with certain anti-inflammatory asthma drugs. Although the air cleaners improved the overall air quality in homes, they did not reduce air nicotine levels and did not counter all ill effects of secondhand smoke, the researchers warn. ... > full story

New brain imaging research reveals why autistic individuals confuse pronouns (August 1, 2011) -- A new brain imaging study provides an explanation as to why autistic individuals' use of the wrong pronoun is more than simply a word choice problem. Researchers found that errors in choosing a self-referring pronoun reflect a disordered neural representation of the self, a function processed by at least two brain areas -- one frontal and one posterior. ... > full story

New composite material may restore damaged soft tissue (August 1, 2011) -- Biomedical engineers have developed a new liquid material that in early experiments in rats and humans shows promise in restoring damaged soft tissue relatively safely and durably. The material, a composite of biological and synthetic molecules, is injected under the skin, then "set" using light to form a more solid structure, like using cold to set gelatin in a mold. The researchers say the product one day could be used to reconstruct soldier's faces marred by blast injuries. ... > full story

Novel analysis sheds new light on the mechanisms of brain development (August 1, 2011) -- Scientists have taken an important step in identifying how the brain organizes itself during development. The findings describe -- in more detail than ever before -- the consequences of the loss of a key molecule involved in establishing proper brain architecture during brain development. ... > full story

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