ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Friday, August 26, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Friday, August 26, 2011

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New prostate cancer screening test shows promise for diagnosis (August 26, 2011) -- A new prostate screening test may prove to be a promising new tool in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. The study found that this new screening test, the PSA/SIA assay, may be more sensitive in detecting prostate cancer than traditional screening methods. ... > full story

No bones about it: Eating dried plums helps prevent fractures and osteoporosis, study suggests (August 26, 2011) -- When it comes to improving bone health in postmenopausal women -- and people of all ages, actually -- researchers has found a simple, proactive solution to help prevent fractures and osteoporosis: eating dried plums. ... > full story

Early embryos can correct genetic abnormalities during development, researchers find (August 26, 2011) -- Researchers have found the first direct evidence that early embryos with genetic abnormalities can correct their faults as they develop, marginalizing cells with an incorrect number of chromosomes, while allowing the growth of normal cells. ... > full story

Using math to fight cancer (August 26, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a mathematical model to understand and predict the progress of a tumor, from its early stages to metastasis, in hopes of creating highly personalized treatment strategies for patients who have cancer. ... > full story

Major brain similarities found in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia (August 26, 2011) -- Researchers have conducted a study which has found striking brain similarities in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. ... > full story

Simple way to grow muscle tissue with real muscle structure (August 26, 2011) -- Researchers have found a simple way to grow muscle tissue with a real muscle structure in the laboratory. They found that the muscle cells automatically align themselves if they are subjected to tension in one direction -- this is essential for the ability of the muscle cells to exert a force. ... > full story

Could the Spanish flu devastate us again? (August 26, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a new computational method that can predict viral mutation strategies, tracking virus strains and giving researchers the tools they need to better combat these mutations with more precisely formulated vaccines. ... > full story

Predicting perilous plaque in coronary arteries via fluid dynamics (August 26, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a method for predicting which areas of the coronary arteries will develop more atherosclerotic plaque over time, based on intracoronary ultrasound and blood flow measurements. The method could help doctors identify "vulnerable plaque," unstable plaque that is likely to cause a heart attack or stroke. It involves calculating shear stress, or how hard the blood tugs on the walls of the arteries, based on the geometry of the arteries and how fast the blood is moving. ... > full story

Crucial role for molecule in muscle development (August 26, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered the crucial role of a molecule in skeletal muscle development. The finding could have implications in the future for maintenance of healthy muscle or muscle regeneration in certain diseases, for example cancer and neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy. ... > full story

New model predicts environmental effect of pharmaceutical products (August 26, 2011) -- Most synthetic chemical products used in consumer goods end up unchanged in the environment. Given the risks this could pose for the environment and human health, researchers in Spain have developed a new tool to effectively predict what will happen to current and future pharmaceutical products. ... > full story

Fat-stigma study: Mass media messages appear to trump opinions of family, close friends (August 26, 2011) -- Women harbor a fat-stigma even though their family and closest friends may not judge them as "fat," according to new findings by social scientists. Those research results have scientists questioning the weight of messages from sources outside one's social networks, especially those in mass media marketing. ... > full story

Cell receptor could allow measles virus to target tumors (August 25, 2011) -- Canadian researchers have discovered that a tumor cell marker is a receptor for measles virus, suggesting the possible use of measles virus to help fight cancer. ... > full story

Slim down by targeting the hormone uroguanylin (August 25, 2011) -- The number of people who are obese and suffer one or more of its associated health problems is escalating dramatically. Researchers are seeking to identify new targets for therapeutics that could limit appetite and thereby obesity. Researchers have now uncovered one new potential target (uroguanylin) by studying the molecular control of appetite in mice. ... > full story

Vitamin A supplements for children could save 600,000 lives a year, experts predict (August 25, 2011) -- Children in low and middle income countries should be given vitamin A supplements to prevent death and illness, a new study concludes. ... > full story

Single vaccines to protect against both rabies and Ebola (August 25, 2011) -- Researchers have developed single vaccines to protest against both rabies and the Ebola virus. ... > full story

Malaria mosquito is disappearing, but it is not necessarily just good news (August 25, 2011) -- The incidence of malaria in many African countries south of the Sahara is falling rapidly, shows new research. Scientists have discovered that the mosquito carrying the malaria parasite has practically disappeared from villages without organized mosquito control, and they do not know why. Since the researchers can discount mosquito nets, the question is whether the mosquitoes have succumbed to disease, or communities have been using pesticides, or whether the fall is due to the chaotic new precipitation patterns. ... > full story

Getting back from a trip 'ahead of time' (August 25, 2011) -- After returning from holiday, it's likely you felt that the journey home by plane, car or train went much quicker than the outward journey, even though in fact both distances and journey are usually the same. So why the difference? According to a new study, it seems that many people find that, when taking a trip, the way back seems shorter. The findings suggest that this effect is caused by the different expectations we have, rather than being more familiar with the route on a return journey. ... > full story

Interbreeding between modern humans and evolutionary cousins gave healthy immune system boost to human genome, study finds (August 25, 2011) -- For a few years now, scientists have known that humans and their evolutionary cousins had some casual flings, but now it appears that these liaisons led to a more meaningful relationship. Interbreeding between modern humans and close relatives -- including Neanderthals and the recently discovered Denisovans -- has endowed some human gene pools with beneficial versions of immune system genes, researchers report in a new study. ... > full story

Few health problems are caused by vaccines, review of studies suggests (August 25, 2011) -- An analysis of more than 1,000 research articles concluded that few health problems are caused by or clearly associated with vaccines. Experts reviewing possible adverse effects of vaccines found convincing evidence of 14 health outcomes. ... > full story

Discovery explains why influenza B virus exclusively infects humans: Opens door for new drugs (August 25, 2011) -- Researchers have reported a discovery that could help scientists develop drugs to fight seasonal influenza epidemics caused by the common influenza B strain. Their discovery also helps explain how influenza B is limited to humans, and why it cannot be as virulent as A strains that incorporate new genes from influenza viruses that infect other species. ... > full story

Differences in metabolic disease markers in healthy and obese 7-to-9-year-olds identified (August 25, 2011) -- Obese 7-to-9-year-old children had nearly three times the liver fat and almost double the belly fat of their non-obese counterparts and insulin resistance was more than double and insulin sensitivity less than half respectively, according to a new study. The study is among the first to use a combination of advanced measurements in healthy obese and non-obese children in this age group prior to entering puberty. ... > full story

Young brains lack the wisdom of their elders, clinical study shows (August 25, 2011) -- Language task reveals brains of older people are not slower but rather wiser than young brains, allowing older adults to achieve an equivalent level of performance. ... > full story

Protein-making machinery in bacteria successfully re-engineered (August 25, 2011) -- Researchers have successfully re-engineered the protein-making machinery in bacteria, a technical tour de force that promises to revolutionize the study and treatment of a variety of diseases. ... > full story

Smoking soon after waking raises risk of lung and head and neck cancers (August 25, 2011) -- Smokers who tend to take their first cigarette soon after they wake up in the morning may have a higher risk of developing lung and head and neck cancers than smokers who refrain from lighting up right away. Findings may help identify smokers who have an especially high risk of developing cancer and would benefit from targeted smoking interventions to reduce their risk. ... > full story

New sensors streamline detection of estrogenic compounds (August 25, 2011) -- Researchers have engineered new sensors that fluoresce in the presence of compounds that interact with estrogen receptors in human cells. The sensors detect natural or human-made substances that alter estrogenic signaling in the body. ... > full story

Workplace stress a growing health hazard (August 25, 2011) -- Job-related stress is catching up with people. A new study has found that increased job stress causes workers to increasingly seek help from health professionals for physical, mental and emotional ailments linked to job stress. Indeed, the number of visits to health-care professionals is up to 26 per cent for workers in high stress jobs, a Canadian study shows. ... > full story

Study identifies chemical changes in brains of people at risk for Alzheimer's disease (August 25, 2011) -- A brain imaging scan identifies biochemical changes in the brains of normal people who might be at risk for Alzheimer's disease, according to new research. ... > full story

Commonly prescribed antibiotic reduces acute COPD attacks; Study finds azithromycin lowers frequency and severity of flare-ups (August 25, 2011) -- Adding a common antibiotic to the usual daily treatment regimen for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can reduce the occurrence of acute exacerbations and improve quality of life, reports new results from a clinical trial. ... > full story

Men and women differ in the way they anticipate an unpleasant emotional experience, research finds (August 25, 2011) -- Men and women differ in the way they anticipate an unpleasant emotional experience, which influences the effectiveness with which that experience is committed to memory, according to new research. ... > full story

Scientists reengineer antibiotic to overcome dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria (August 25, 2011) -- A team of scientists has successfully reengineered an important antibiotic to kill the deadliest antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The compound could one day be used clinically to treat patients with life-threatening and highly resistant bacterial infections. ... > full story

MRI techniques can detect early osteoarthritis (August 25, 2011) -- Researchers have found that advanced MRI techniques can be used to detect subtle changes in joint cartilage microstructure -- and provide physicians a diagnostic tool for finding key markers of early osteoarthritis. ... > full story

Seeing eye to eye is key to copying, say scientists (August 25, 2011) -- Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but how do our brains decide when and who we should copy? Researchers have found that the key may lie in an unspoken invitation communicated through eye contact. ... > full story

Bone marrow transplantation may increase cancer resistance in patients, study suggests (August 25, 2011) -- Bone marrow transplantation with genetically modified cells may prolong the period of cancer-free survival, suggests a new study. ... > full story

Caffeine lowers risk of skin cancer: Coffee-based sunscreen might work best (August 25, 2011) -- Researchers strengthen their theory that caffeine guards against skin cancer. Based on research on mice, scientists believe that caffeine applied directly to the skin may ultimately be effective as a topical sunscreeen. ... > full story

Less depression for working moms who expect that they 'can't do it all' (August 25, 2011) -- Working mothers who expressed a supermom attitude that work and home lives can be blended with relative ease showed more depression symptoms than working moms who expected that they would have to forego some aspects of their career or parenting to achieve a work-life balance. ... > full story

Gene study sheds new light on origins of British men (August 25, 2011) -- New genetic evidence reveals that most British men are not descended from immigrant farmers who migrated east 5,000-10,000 years ago -- contrary to previous research. ... > full story

Children of depressed mothers have a different brain: MRI scans show their children have an enlarged amygdala (August 25, 2011) -- Scientists worked with 10-year-old children whose mothers exhibited symptoms of depression throughout their lives and discovered that the children's amygdala, a part of the brain linked to emotional responses, was enlarged. ... > full story

Beta-blocker associated with better outcomes in treatment of infantile vascular tumors (August 25, 2011) -- Compared with oral corticosteroids, use of the beta-blocker propranolol for treatment of infantile hemangiomas was associated with higher rates of lesion clearance, fewer adverse effects, fewer surgical interventions after treatment, and lowers cost, according to a new report. ... > full story

Anti-aging techniques not yet viewed as acceptable, study suggests (August 25, 2011) -- People who use more invasive anti-aging methods such as Botox injections or surgery are viewed more negatively than those who use milder techniques such as sun-avoidance and facial creams and younger adults are more negative about using anti-aging methods than older adults, a new study shows. ... > full story

Uninsured trauma patients are more likely to use the emergency department for follow-up care (August 25, 2011) -- Providing access to an outpatient clinic isn't enough to keep some trauma patients who have been discharged from the hospital from returning to the emergency department for follow-up care, even for such minor needs as pain medication refills and dressing changes, according to new research. ... > full story

School-based mental health screening for teens results in connection to care (August 25, 2011) -- A new study involving nearly 2,500 high school students demonstrates the value of routine mental health screening in school to identify adolescents at-risk for mental illness, and to connect those adolescents with recommended follow-up care. ... > full story

New imaging test gives physicians better tool to diagnose Parkinson's disease (August 25, 2011) -- Physicians now have an objective test to evaluate patients for Parkinsonian syndromes, such as Parkinson's disease. DaTscan™ is the only FDA-approved imaging agent for assessment of movement disorders. Until now, there were no definitive tests to identify the disease, forcing physicians to rely on clinical examinations to make a diagnosis. This technology allows doctors to differentiate Parkinson's from other movement disorders. ... > full story

Heart may hold key to unexplained nausea in youths (August 25, 2011) -- Heart rate and blood pressure regulation may hold the key to treating unexplained chronic nausea in children. A drug commonly used to treat a condition known as orthostatic intolerance (OI), which causes dizziness and occasional fainting when patients stand for long periods, was shown to reduce debilitating chronic nausea in patients. ... > full story

E. coli in the countryside: whose problem is it anyway? (August 25, 2011) -- Reducing the risks of catching E. coli O157 in the countryside is everyone's problem. That means we should all take responsibility -- individual residents and visitors, as well as farmers and government -- according to experts. ... > full story

Plants could pave the way for new ovarian cancer treatments (August 25, 2011) -- Tropical plants may contain the basis of new and effective treatments for ovarian cancer, according to new research. ... > full story

Why only some obese people develop chronic diseases: Disease-causing fat cells found in those with metabolic syndrome (August 24, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered biological indicators that help explain why some obese people develop chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, and others do not. ... > full story

Researchers identify protein essential in transmission of Ebola virus (August 24, 2011) -- Researchers have used a robotic method to screen tens of thousands of compounds and identified a novel small molecule derived from benzylpiperazine adamantyl diamide that inhibits EboV entry into cells by more than 99 percent. They used the inhibitor as a probe to investigate the EboV infection pathway and found that the target of the inhibitor is the cell protein Niemann-Pick C1. ... > full story

Scientists identify point of entry for deadly Ebola virus (August 24, 2011) -- Using an unusual human cell line, researchers have performed a genetic screen and identified a protein used by the Ebola virus to gain entry into cells and begin replicating. The discovery may offer a new approach for the development of antiviral therapeutics. Ebola virus, the cause of Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is one of the deadliest known viruses affecting humans. ... > full story