ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Thursday, September 22, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Thursday, September 22, 2011

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Potential target for treating common form of early-onset dementia identified (September 22, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered that a key signaling pathway plays an important role in frontotemporal dementia and may offer a potential target for treatment of the devastating brain disorder, which accounts for one in four cases of early-onset dementia. ... > full story

How our liver kills 'killer cells' (September 22, 2011) -- Our livers can fight back against the immune system -- reducing organ rejection but also making us more susceptible to liver disease. Scientists have seen for the first time (in mice) how the liver goes independent, engulfing and destroying the body's defense troops -- T-cells. Their discovery opens the way to both new approaches to transplant rejection, and to the fight against hepatitis and other chronic liver diseases. ... > full story

Overweight older women have less leg strength, power (September 22, 2011) -- Leg strength and power of overweight older women is significantly less than that of normal-weight older women, increasing their risk for disability and loss of independence. With more Americans aging and becoming overweight or obese, the study dispels the popular image of the bird-thin elder being at greatest risk of becoming disabled due to loss of muscle mass. ... > full story

Super-sized heart valve provides clues to blood flow (September 22, 2011) -- Researchers in Ireland have developed a super-sized model of a heart valve which may lead to a new generation of cardiovascular devices. Every year, mechanical valves are inserted into approximately 125,000 patients with heart valve disease around the world. However, the valves can lead to unnatural blood flows, which can trigger a clotting reaction. Because of this, patients with prosthetic heart valves must take medication daily, which can lead to side effects. ... > full story

Stressed and strapped: Caregivers for friends, relatives suffer emotional and financial strain (September 22, 2011) -- Those caring for aging or disabled relatives in California are under both financial and emotional strain and are likely to face even greater burdens given recent cuts in state support for programs that support in-home care, write the authors of a new policy brief. The study looks at California's more than six million informal caregivers and finds higher levels of serious psychological distress and negative health behaviors. ... > full story

Electrical stimulation of brain boosts birth of new cells: Animal study suggests deep brain stimulation improves memory (September 22, 2011) -- Stimulating a specific region of the brain leads to the production of new brain cells that enhance memory, according to an animal study. The findings show how deep brain stimulation -- a clinical intervention that delivers electrical pulses to targeted areas of the brain -- may work to improve cognition. ... > full story

Anti-aging creams: Is the 'longevity gene' nearing the end of its life? (September 22, 2011) -- Sirtuins, proteins believed to significantly increase lifespan in a number of organisms -- and the claimed target of some anti-aging creams -- do not, in fact, affect animal longevity, according to new research. ... > full story

Chinese researchers identify insect host species of a famous Tibetan medicinal fungus (September 22, 2011) -- Based on an extensive survey of the literature pertaining to the Chinese caterpillar fungus, a fungus with high medicinal and economic values, researchers investigated a total of 91 insect species and found 57 of these to be potential hosts to the fungus. ... > full story

Early antiretroviral therapy for HIV shown cost-effective, Haiti study finds (September 22, 2011) -- Researchers in the U.S. and Haiti have shown that early treatment of HIV not only saves lives but is also cost-effective. ... > full story

Toward an improved test for adulterated heparin (September 22, 2011) -- Scientists are reporting refinement of a new test that promises to help assure the safety of supplies of heparin, the blood thinner taken by millions of people worldwide each year to prevent blood clots. The test can quickly and economically detect adulterants, including the substance responsible for hundreds of illnesses and deaths among patients taking heparin in 2008. ... > full story

YouTube videos can inaccurately depict Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, study finds (September 22, 2011) -- After reviewing the most frequently watched YouTube videos about movement disorders, a group of neurologists found that the people in the videos often do not have a movement disorder. ... > full story

Researchers discover how 'promiscuous parasites' hijack host immune cells (September 21, 2011) -- Researchers recently discovered how T. gondii evades our defenses by hacking immune cells, making it the first known parasite to control its host's immune system. A new study describes a forced partnership between parasite and host that challenges common conceptions of how pathogens interact with the body. ... > full story

Zinc regulates communication between brain cells (September 21, 2011) -- Zinc has been found to play a critical role in regulating communication between cells in the brain, possibly governing the formation of memories and controlling the occurrence of epileptic seizures. ... > full story

Key molecule that blocks abnormal blood vessel growth in tumors identified (September 21, 2011) -- A new and better understanding of blood vessel growth and vascular development (angiogenesis) in cancer has been made possible by new research. ... > full story

Allowing native language in school benefits Mexican-American students, researcher finds (September 21, 2011) -- A new study shows that Mexican-American students who identify and practice speaking their native language have higher grades than those who are put in English-only environments in their schools. ... > full story

New genetic mutation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (September 21, 2011) -- A team led by scientists has discovered a new genetic mutation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a related disease called frontotemporal dementia that appears to account for more than a third of all inherited cases of these diseases. ... > full story

Weakness in heart attack therapy identified (September 21, 2011) -- A new study holds clues to why an emerging clinical trials option for heart attack patients has not been as successful as anticipated. Treatment of human hearts with bone marrow cells has led to limited to no success in improving their heart function even though a similar method has been much more effective in rodents. ... > full story

Advice To divorcees: Go easy on yourself (September 21, 2011) -- Divorce is tough, for just about everyone. But some people move through a breakup without overwhelming distress, even if they're sad or worried about money, while others get stuck in the bad feelings and can't seem to climb out. What accounts for the difference? ... > full story

New research could extend life of arthritic joints (September 21, 2011) -- A medication already approved to build bone mass in patients with osteoporosis also builds cartilage around joints and could potentially be re-purposed to treat millions of people suffering from arthritis, according to new orthopedic research. ... > full story

New insight into immune tolerance furthers understanding of autoimmune disease (September 21, 2011) -- The mechanisms that underlie immune activation and tolerance are not completely understood. Now, a new research study provides intriguing insight into the complex immune regulatory mechanisms that underlie immune tolerance. ... > full story

Rude employee behavior quietly sabotages the bottom line (September 21, 2011) -- Rude employee behavior is rampant and consumers report they respond to such episodes not by reporting incidents to managers, but by taking their business to competitors. ... > full story

Common stimulant may speed recovery from general anesthesia (September 21, 2011) -- Administration of the commonly used stimulant drug methylphenidate (Ritalin) was able to speed recovery from general anesthesia in animals, according to researchers. Their study is the first demonstration in mammals of what could be a safe and effective way to actively reverse the unconsciousness induced by general anesthesia. ... > full story

Potential of new nanoparticle design for cancer therapy demonstrated (September 21, 2011) -- A new type of nanoparticle has shown potential for more effective delivery of chemotherapy to treat cancer. In laboratory studies, researchers developed and tested a new type of nanoparticle that can deliver larger amounts of a drug and will not leak the drug as the particle circulates through the blood stream on its way to the target. ... > full story

Political preferences play different role in dating, mating (September 21, 2011) -- Online daters are reluctant to use partisan politics to attract a potential mate, according to new research in the U.S. The study shows that singles are more likely to admit they are overweight on their online dating profiles than to say they are politically liberal or conservative. ... > full story

Stem cells, potential source of cancer-fighting T cells (September 21, 2011) -- Adult stem cells from mice converted to antigen-specific T cells -- the immune cells that fight cancer tumor cells -- show promise in cancer immunotherapy and may lead to a simpler, more efficient way to use the body's immune system to fight cancer, according to researchers. ... > full story

Using bone marrow to protect the brain: Stem cell technology begins clinical trial for Lou Gehrig's disease (September 21, 2011) -- Through a clinical product called NurOwn, researchers in Israel are turning bone marrow stem cells into astrocyte-like cells which are responsible for the well-being of the brain's neurons. Trials for the technology, which has the potential to treat a broad range of neurodegenerative conditions, are now planned for Massachusetts General Hospital. ... > full story

Nanoparticles cause brain injury in fish (September 21, 2011) -- Scientists have shown, for the first time in an animal, that nanoparticles have a detrimental effect on the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. ... > full story

'Silent majority' agrees with me, voters believe (September 21, 2011) -- We like to think that others agree with us. It's called "social projection," and it helps us validate our beliefs and ourselves. Psychologists have found that we tend to think people who are similar to us in one explicit way -- say, religion or lifestyle -- will act and believe as we do, and vote as we do. Meanwhile, we exaggerate differences between ourselves and those who are explicitly unlike us. ... > full story

Possible new blood test to diagnose heart attacks (September 21, 2011) -- Researchers are reporting a possible new blood test to help diagnose heart attacks. Researchers report that a large protein known as cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) is released to the blood following a heart attack. ... > full story

Buyer beware: Advertising may seduce your brain, researchers say (September 21, 2011) -- Researchers have found that certain types of subtle advertisements reduce activity in the decision-making areas of the brain, suggesting that some ads seduce, rather than persuade, consumers to buy their products. ... > full story

Preterm birth associated with higher risk of death in early childhood, young adulthood (September 21, 2011) -- In a study that included more than 600,000 individuals born in Sweden between 1973-1979, those born preterm (less than 37 weeks gestation) had a higher risk of death during early childhood and young adulthood than persons born at term, according to a new study. ... > full story

Human body rids itself of damage when it really matters (September 21, 2011) -- Although the body is constantly replacing cells and cell constituents, damage and imperfections accumulate over time. Cleanup efforts are saved for when it really matters. Researchers in Sweden are able to show how the body rids itself of damage when it is time to reproduce and create new life. ... > full story

Social media for dementia patients (September 21, 2011) -- Research scientists in Norway are developing a "Facebook Light" -- with a user interface suitable for the elderly and people with dementia -- to promote important social contact. Both research and experience show that social contact enables people with dementia to maintain their level of functioning longer. ... > full story

Power corrupts, especially when it lacks status (September 21, 2011) -- In a new study, researchers have found that individuals in roles that possess power but lack status have a tendency to engage in activities that demean others. ... > full story

Scientists turn back the clock on adult stem cells aging (September 21, 2011) -- Researchers have shown they can reverse the aging process for human adult stem cells, which are responsible for helping old or damaged tissues regenerate. The findings could lead to medical treatments that may repair a host of ailments that occur because of tissue damage as people age. ... > full story

Breast cancer: Stress receptor found to stimulate growth and migration of cancer cells (September 21, 2011) -- It's a common belief that there's a link between chronic stress and an increased risk of cancer. In new research, scientists identified a particular neurotransmitter released in response to stress, that stimulates both cancer cell growth and migration in breast cancer. The research was led by Dwayne Jackson of the Departments of Medical Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering. ... > full story

Continued treatment for lupus may boost survival of those patients with end-stage kidney disease (September 21, 2011) -- Researchers have shown that close supervision by rheumatologists and the use of immunosuppressant drugs improve the survival of lupus patients with end-stage kidney disease -- a finding that could reverse long-standing clinical practice. ... > full story

Sifting out genetic defects from mounds of data (September 21, 2011) -- Within a decade, a combination of advanced measurement techniques and statistics will enable scientists to develop methods to diagnose serious diseases caused by genetic defects. Ten years after that, there may be medicines available to repair these defects, researchers predict. ... > full story

Depression associated with increased risk of stroke and stroke-related death (September 21, 2011) -- An analysis of nearly 30 studies including more than 300,000 patients finds that depression is associated with a significantly increased risk of developing stroke and dying from stroke, according to a new study. ... > full story

Large study finds genetic 'overlap' between schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (September 21, 2011) -- A worldwide consortium has discovered that common genetic variants contribute to a person's risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These studies provide new molecular evidence that 11 regions are strongly associated with these diseases, including six regions not previously observed. ... > full story

Looking closely at personality disorders: Should DSM-5 reduce and redefine them? (September 21, 2011) -- A new article argues against the proposed changes to redefine the number of personality disorders in the upcoming Diagnostic Statistical Manual. In their study, the researchers found the current scoring already captures the dimensional nature of personality disorders. ... > full story

Gene for Lou Gehrig's disease and frontotemporal dementia identified (September 21, 2011) -- Frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease -- two fatal neurodegenerative disease with distinct symptoms -- are triggered by a common mutation in many cases, according to researchers who say they have identified the mutated gene. ... > full story

New genetic mutation is the most common cause of familial forms of frontotemporal dementia and ALS (September 21, 2011) -- Researchers have found a genetic abnormality they say is the most common cause of two different but related familial forms of neurodegenerative disease -- frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ... > full story

Human genetics study identifies the most common cause of ALS and dementia (September 21, 2011) -- Scientists have made an exciting breakthrough in unraveling the genetic basis of two debilitating neurodegenerative disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Two independent studies identify a new human genetic mutation as the most common cause of ALS and FTD identified to date. ... > full story

Discovery of gene fusion in ovarian cancer could lead to earlier diagnoses (September 20, 2011) -- About 15 percent of cases of an aggressive, difficult-to-detect form of ovarian cancer contain a unique fusion between two neighboring, normally separate genes, say researchers. Although gene fusions are known to occur in prostate and some blood cancers, they have been notoriously difficult to identify in solid tumors. This is the first recurrent gene fusion found for ovarian cancer. ... > full story

Mild hearing loss linked to brain atrophy in older adults; Early intervention could prevent slide toward speech comprehension difficulties (September 20, 2011) -- A new study shows that declines in hearing ability may accelerate gray mater atrophy in auditory areas of the brain and increase the listening effort necessary for older adults to successfully comprehend speech. ... > full story

Adding cognitive behavioral therapy to drug treatment of pediatric OCD appears to improve symptoms (September 20, 2011) -- Children and teens with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who were receiving some benefit from treatment with medication had a significantly greater reduction in OCD symptoms with the addition of cognitive behavior therapy, according to a new study. ... > full story

Lasers light the path to neuron regeneration (September 20, 2011) -- Lasers have been used to fabricate tiny scaffolds to be used as delivery vehicles to drop cells off at damaged locations and help treat diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. ... > full story

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