ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Friday, August 12, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Friday, August 12, 2011

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Smart skin: Electronics that stick and stretch like a temporary tattoo (August 12, 2011) -- Engineers have developed a device platform that combines electronic components for sensing, medical diagnostics, communications and human-machine interfaces, all on an ultrathin skin-like patch that mounts directly onto the skin with the ease, flexibility and comfort of a temporary tattoo. ... > full story

Dual-action protein better restricts blood vessel formation (August 12, 2011) -- Bioengineers have created a single protein able to target two different chemical receptors at the same time, yielding a promising new direction in the development of cancer treatments and other biomedical applications. ... > full story

Flatworms provide new insight into organ regeneration and the evolution of mammalian kidneys (August 12, 2011) -- Our bodies are perfectly capable of renewing billions of cells every day but fail miserably when it comes to replacing damaged organs such as kidneys. Using the flatworm Schmidtea mediterranea -- famous for its capacity to regrow complete animals from minuscule flecks of tissue -- as an eloquent example, researchers have demonstrated how our distant evolutionary cousins regenerate their excretory systems from scratch. ... > full story

Radiofrequency ablation safely and effectively treats Barrett's esophagus, study suggests (August 12, 2011) -- Radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective option for the treatment of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus that attains lasting response, new research suggests. ... > full story

Contrary to earlier findings, excess body fat in elderly decreases life expectancy (August 12, 2011) -- New research has shown that men over 75 with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 22.3 had a 3.7-year shorter life expectancy, and women over 75 with a BMI greater than 27.4 had a 2.1-year shorter life expectancy. ... > full story

Route for eliciting HIV-neutralizing antibodies mapped (August 12, 2011) -- Researchers have traced in detail how certain powerful HIV neutralizing antibodies evolve, a finding that generates vital clues to guide the design of a preventive HIV vaccine, according to a new study. ... > full story

Most common bladder cancer tumor sequenced (August 12, 2011) -- Scientists have conducted the first ever genetic sequencing of most common bladder cancer. Recognizing the genetic mutations that make bladder cancer cells different than their healthy neighbors may allow early genetic screenings for cancer and new therapies targeting cells with these mutations. In addition, the mutations the team found are similar to those recently discovered in a host of other cancers, implying a possible common denominator in the cause of cancer in general. ... > full story

Radiation rates for breast cancer may be underestimated, study finds (August 12, 2011) -- More breast cancer patients than previously believed may be receiving radiation treatments after breast-conserving surgery, a new study shows. ... > full story

Researchers fight cholera with computer forecasting (August 12, 2011) -- Just as the rainy season is driving a new surge of cholera cases in Haiti, a new computational model could forecast where outbreaks are likely to occur. Researchers hope to target anti-cholera efforts where they are most needed in the earthquake-ravaged country. ... > full story

Study links personal, corporate risk-taking; Examination of CEOs with private pilots' licenses indicates potential benefits in bold behavior (August 12, 2011) -- A CEO who enjoys the adrenaline rush of flying a private airplane is more likely than other chief executives to exhibit similarly bold management characteristics, according to a new study. ... > full story

Metabolomics as a basis for gender-specific drugs (August 11, 2011) -- Analyses of the metabolic profile of blood serum have revealed significant differences in metabolites between men and women. Scientists have concluded that there is a need for gender-specific therapies. ... > full story

Less salt, less strokes, says new research (August 11, 2011) -- A reduction of 3 grams of salt intake per day would prevent up to 8,000 stroke deaths and up to 12,000 coronary heart disease deaths per year in the UK, says new research. A similar reduction in the USA would result in up to 120,000 fewer cases of coronary heart disease, up to 66,000 strokes and up to 99,000 heart attacks annually. It would also save up to billion annually in health care costs. ... > full story

Software predicted risk in California West Nile virus epidemic (August 11, 2011) -- A computer model of the spread of West Nile virus was able to predict areas where human cases would be concentrated, especially around Sacramento in 2005. The success of the model, say researchers, depended on its focus on biological factors and on a high volume of reports from members of the public. ... > full story

Days spent reading to dogs during summer may help avoid decline of reading skills (August 11, 2011) -- Second graders who read aloud to a canine over the summer seem to maintain their reading skills during the dog days of summer, according to a pilot study. ... > full story

How estrogen could help protect women from cardiovascular disease (August 11, 2011) -- The sex hormone estrogen could help protect women from cardiovascular disease by keeping the body's immune system in check, new research has revealed. The study has shown that the female sex hormone works on white blood cells to stop them from sticking to the insides of blood vessels, a process which can lead to dangerous blockages. ... > full story

Common class of pain drugs reduces severity of postpartum breast cancers (August 11, 2011) -- During involution -- the process during which milk-producing cells are killed and replaced by fat cells -- the breast is especially susceptible to the development of aggressive cancers. This study shows that NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce the severity of these cancers. ... > full story

Wikipedia gender biases revealed (August 11, 2011) -- Computer science researchers have confirmed a substantial gender gap among editors of Wikipedia and a corresponding gender-oriented disparity in the content. ... > full story

Intestinal protein may have role in ADHD, other neurological disorders (August 11, 2011) -- A biochemical pathway long associated with diarrhea and intestinal function may provide a new therapeutic target for treating ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) other neuropsychiatric disorders, according to scientists. Researchers discovered the pathway's key protein is also expressed in critical areas of the brain and its activity helps regulate attention and activity level in mice. ... > full story

Scientists discover how molecular motors go into 'energy save mode' (August 11, 2011) -- The transport system inside living cells is a well-oiled machine with tiny protein motors hauling vital cargo around the cell. A new study describes how the motors save energy, when their transport services aren't required. The solution to this molecular puzzle provides new insight into how molecular motor proteins are regulated, and may open new avenues for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's. ... > full story

Researchers decode workings of mysterious, but critical TB drug (August 11, 2011) -- A new study suggests that PZA binds to a specific protein named RpsA and inhibits trans-translation, a process that enables the TB bacteria to survive under stressful conditions. ... > full story

Eating protein throughout the day preserves muscle and physical function in dieting postmenopausal women, study suggests (August 11, 2011) -- Dieting postmenopausal women who want to avoid losing muscle as they lose fat should pay attention to a new study. Adding protein throughout the day not only holds hunger pangs at bay so that dieters lose more weight, it keeps body composition -- the amount of fat relative to muscle -- in better proportion. ... > full story

How a particular gene makes night vision possible (August 11, 2011) -- Scientists have determined how a particular gene makes night vision possible. The study focuses on a gene called nyctalopin. Mutations in the gene result in inherited "night blindness," a loss of vision in low-light environments. ... > full story

Genetically engineered spider silk for gene therapy (August 11, 2011) -- Genetically engineered spider silk could help overcome a major barrier to the use of gene therapy in everyday medicine, according to a new study. ... > full story

New clues to the formation of hearts, intestines and other key organs (August 11, 2011) -- How do the intestines in tiny birds or large mammals form intricate looping patterns? How do hearts and vascular systems form? Why do some large dog breeds succumb to gastric torsion while others don't? Newly released research provides some key clues to these natural phenomena. ... > full story

High levels of potentially toxic flame retardants in California pregnant women (August 11, 2011) -- Pregnant women in Northern California have the highest PBDE flame retardant exposures reported to date among pregnant women worldwide. A new article describes some of the first evidence from humans that certain flame retardants may interfere with thyroid hormone signaling during pregnancy, which is critical to brain development. ... > full story

Narcissism may benefit the young, researchers report; but older adults? Not so much (August 11, 2011) -- A new study suggests that some forms of narcissism are -- at least in the short term -- beneficial, helping children navigate the difficult transition to adulthood. ... > full story

Red meat linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes (August 11, 2011) -- Researchers have found a strong association between the consumption of red meat -- particularly when the meat is processed -- and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The study also shows that replacing red meat with healthier proteins, such as low-fat dairy, nuts, or whole grains, can significantly lower the risk. ... > full story

Why vertebrate intestines are so predictably loopy: Gut coils with help from its elastic neighbor (August 11, 2011) -- Between conception and birth, the human gut grows more than two meters long, looping and coiling within the tiny abdomen. Within a given species, the developing vertebrate gut always loops into the same formation -- however, until now, it has not been clear why. ... > full story

Think fast: The neural circuitry of reaction time (August 11, 2011) -- The voluntary movements we make must be "prepared" in our brain before they are executed. However, be it perfect timing, a false-start, or a delayed reaction, the neural circuitry underlying movement preparation is not well understood. Now a new study provides intriguing insight into how a neural circuit forms a motor plan. ... > full story

Paper money worldwide contains bisphenol A (August 11, 2011) -- The cash register receipts that people place near paper money in billfolds and pockets has led to a worldwide contamination of paper money with bisphenol A (BPA) -- a potentially toxic substance. The amounts of BPA on currencies are higher than in dust, but human intake from currency is at least 10 times less than that from house dust, according to a new study. ... > full story

Can blaming others make people sick? (August 11, 2011) -- Constant bitterness can make a person ill, according to researchers who have examined the relationship between failure, bitterness and quality of life. ... > full story

Early evidence suggests that TB jab could help fight cancer (August 11, 2011) -- Scientists have found a potential new mechanism to stimulate the body’s own ability to fight cancer using the germ commonly used to inoculate against tuberculosis. ... > full story

Antioxidant spices, like turmeric and cinnamon, reduce negative effects of high-fat meal (August 11, 2011) -- Eating a diet rich in spices, like turmeric and cinnamon, reduces the body's negative responses to eating high-fat meals, according to new research. ... > full story

Novel mechanism that regulates pro-inflammatory cells identified (August 11, 2011) -- New research has identified a novel sensory pathway that modulates the potency of Th17 cell responses. ... > full story

Spoiler alert: Stories are not spoiled by 'spoilers' (August 11, 2011) -- An experimental study finds that, contrary to popular wisdom, people actually prefer reading a story whose ending they know in advance. And that holds true even if the story is a mystery or an ironic-twist story. ... > full story

Blocking receptor in key hormone fires up enzyme to kill pancreatic cancer cells (August 11, 2011) -- Pancreatic cancer researchers have shown, for the first time, that blocking a receptor of a key hormone in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) reduces cancer cell growth by activating the enzyme AMPK to inhibit fatty acid synthase, the ingredients to support cell division. ... > full story

How an antibiotic-producing organism controls resistance to its own antibiotic (August 11, 2011) -- Working out the structure of a complex formed when a protein binds to DNA has proved to be key in understanding how an antibiotic-producing organism controls resistance to its own antibiotic, and may be an example of how other antibiotic producers regulate export to prevent self-toxicity. ... > full story

No proof fibrate drugs reduce heart risk in diabetes patients on statins, experts say (August 11, 2011) -- Type 2 diabetes patients, who face higher risk of cardiovascular disease, often take a combination of medications designed to lower their LDL or "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels while raising their HDL or "good" cholesterol because doctors long have thought that taken together, the drugs offer protection from heart attacks and improve survival. Now experts suggest more studies. ... > full story

Pulling a fast one: How do consumers react to zippy disclaimers? (August 11, 2011) -- Consumers react negatively to most quick disclaimers at the end of ads, according to a new study. But if the fast disclaimer comes from a trusted company, they'll let it slide. ... > full story

Genetically modified 'serial killer' T-cells obliterate tumors in leukemia patients (August 11, 2011) -- In a cancer treatment breakthrough 20 years in the making, researchers have shown sustained remissions of up to a year among a small group of advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients treated with genetically engineered versions of their own T cells. ... > full story

New genetic cause of blinding eye disease (August 11, 2011) -- Researchers have found a new genetic cause of the blinding eye disease retinitis pigmentosa and, in the process, discovered an entirely new version of the message that codes for the affected protein. ... > full story

Poultry farms that go organic have significantly fewer antibiotic-resistant bacteria (August 11, 2011) -- Poultry farms that have transitioned from conventional to organic practices and ceased using antibiotics have significantly lower levels of drug-resistant enterococci bacteria. The findings suggest that removing antibiotic use from large-scale US poultry farms can result in immediate and significant reductions in antibiotic resistance for some bacteria. ... > full story

Popular muscle-boosting supplement does not increase blood flow, study suggests (August 11, 2011) -- A new study has found that a popular nutritional supplement that is marketed to lead to greater muscle strength through increasing blood flow to the muscle does not increase blood flow as claimed on the bottle. ... > full story

Service as performance: How do class differences affect hospitality interactions? (August 11, 2011) -- Is your hairdresser seething with hidden resentment? Do you subconsciously want to dominate the people who serve you? According to a new study, customers and hospitality workers engage in a game of status that plays out in their everyday encounters. ... > full story

Pregnant women in Vancouver may not be getting enough vitamin D (August 11, 2011) -- Pregnant women taking prenatal supplements may not be getting enough vitamin D, shows a new Vancouver-based study. ... > full story

Stick-on tattoos go electric: Micro-electronics, elegant design and existing tattoo tech combine to create complex device (August 11, 2011) -- Through a combination of careful theoretical modeling and precise micro-manufacturing, a team of engineers and scientists has developed a new type of ultra-thin, self-adhesive electronics device that can effectively measure data about the human heart, brain waves and muscle activity -- all without the use of bulky equipment, conductive fluids, or glues. ... > full story

Stem cell mobilization therapy safe for bone marrow donors, study suggests (August 11, 2011) -- Researchers have reported that administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, a drug that releases stem cells from the bone marrow into the blood, is unlikely to put healthy stem cell donors at risk for later development of abnormalities involving loss or gains of chromosomes that have been linked to hematologic disorders such as myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. ... > full story

Hysterectomy can elevate risk of stroke and coronary heart disease, study suggests (August 11, 2011) -- Hysterectomy elevates the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease in young women when combined with the removal of both ovaries in the same operation. ... > full story

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