ScienceDaily: Top Health News

---

• Neural implant recovers ability to make decisions, monkey study shows
• How deadly Marburg virus silences immune system: Breakthrough findings point to targets for drugs and vaccines
• Looking at you: Face genes identified; Five genes have been found to determine human facial shapes
• Stress breaks loops that hold short-term memory together
• 'Mini' stroke can cause major disability, may warrant clot-busters
• Kids with food allergies can fall through the cracks
• How early social deprivation impairs long-term cognitive function
• Chemists develop nose-like array to 'smell' cancer
• Exercise may protect against future emotional stress, study shows
• Lack of oxygen in cancer cells leads to growth and metastasis
• Immune system compensates for 'leaky gut' in inflammatory bowel disease susceptibility
• Geneticists verify cholesterol-cancer link
• Missing pieces of DNA structure is a red flag for deadly skin cancer
• Scientists map the genomic blueprint of the heart
• Natural killer T-cells in fat tissue guard against obesity, study finds
• Fruit flies reveal new evolutionary link for studying human health: How they control body temperature through circadian rhythm
• Two studies could lead to new personalized therapies for lung cancer patients
• Cloned receptor paves way for new breast and prostate cancer treatment
• Under-twisted DNA origami delivers cancer drugs to tumors
• Tracking stem cell reprogramming: Biologists reveal genes key to development of pluripotency, in single cells
• In lung cancer, smokers have 10 times more genetic damage than never-smokers
• Neural stem cells regenerate axons in severe spinal cord injury; functional recovery in rats
• Study explains decrease in insulin-producing beta cells in diabetes
• Cell death mystery yields new suspect for cancer drug development
• Increased dietary fructose linked to elevated uric acid levels and lower liver energy stores
• Chemist develops new synthesis of most useful, yet expensive, antimalarial drug
• Shine and Rise: Light-activated reversal of anesthesia
• Low ghrelin: Reducing appetite at the cost of increased stress?
• Gestational exposure to urban air pollution linked to vitamin D deficiency in newborns
• Scientists Discover How an Out-of-Tune Protein Leads to Muscle Demise in Heart Failure
• Smoking abstinence tough for teens, too
• Exercise may affect food motivation
• New analysis of drinking water-related gastrointestinal illness in U.S.
• Record 4.02 billion prescriptions in United States in 2011
• An advance toward a flu-fighting nasal spray
• Important breakthrough in fight against muscular dystrophies
• Stress hormones: Good or bad for posttraumatic stress disorder risk?
• 'Mad Cow' blood test now on the horizon
• Biochemists solve a birth-defect mystery

Neural implant recovers ability to make decisions, monkey study shows Posted: 13 Sep 2012 05:36 PM PDT Researchers have taken a key step towards recovering specific brain functions in sufferers of brain disease and injuries by successfully restoring the decision-making processes in monkeys. By placing a neural device onto the front part of the monkeys' brains, the researchers were able to recover, and even improve, the monkeys' ability to make decisions when their normal cognitive functioning was disrupted.

How deadly Marburg virus silences immune system: Breakthrough findings point to targets for drugs and vaccines Posted: 13 Sep 2012 02:33 PM PDT Scientists have determined the structure of a critical protein from the Marburg virus, a close cousin of Ebola virus. These viruses cause similar diseases and are some of the deadliest pathogens on the planet, each killing up to 90 percent of those infected.

Looking at you: Face genes identified; Five genes have been found to determine human facial shapes Posted: 13 Sep 2012 02:33 PM PDT Five genes have been found to determine human facial shapes, researchers report.

Stress breaks loops that hold short-term memory together Posted: 13 Sep 2012 02:30 PM PDT Stress has long been pegged as the enemy of attention, disrupting focus and doing substantial damage to working memory -- the short-term juggling of information that allows us to do all the little things that make us productive. By watching individual neurons at work, a group of psychologists has revealed just how stress can addle the mind, as well as how neurons in the brain's prefrontal cortex help "remember" information in the first place.

'Mini' stroke can cause major disability, may warrant clot-busters Posted: 13 Sep 2012 01:24 PM PDT A transient ischemic attack, TIA or a "mini stroke," can lead to serious disability, but is frequently deemed by doctors too mild to treat, according to a new study.

Kids with food allergies can fall through the cracks Posted: 13 Sep 2012 11:14 AM PDT More can be done to properly manage the care of American children with food allergies, especially when it comes to diagnostic testing and recognizing non-visual symptoms of severe allergic reactions, according to a new study.

How early social deprivation impairs long-term cognitive function Posted: 13 Sep 2012 11:14 AM PDT Children who suffer severe neglect have cognitive impairments as adults. A new study shows for the first time how functional impairments arise: Social isolation during early life prevents brain's white matter cells from maturing and producing myelin, the fatty "insulation" on nerve fibers, for transmitting long-distance messages in the brain. The study also identifies a molecular pathway involved, showing it is disrupted by social isolation.

Chemists develop nose-like array to 'smell' cancer Posted: 13 Sep 2012 10:23 AM PDT In the fight against cancer, knowing the enemy's identity is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, especially in metastatic cancers that spread between organs and tissues. Now chemists have developed a rapid, sensitive way to detect microscopic levels of many metastatic cell types in living tissue.

Exercise may protect against future emotional stress, study shows Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:36 AM PDT Moderate exercise may help people cope with anxiety and stress for an extended period of time post-workout, according to a study by kinesiology researchers.

Lack of oxygen in cancer cells leads to growth and metastasis Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:35 AM PDT The proteins HIF-1a and CD24 have both been implicated in the aggressive characteristics of hypoxic cancers. A new study shows that HIF-1a drives CD24 overexpression, and that CD24 then drives aggressive tumor features.

Immune system compensates for 'leaky gut' in inflammatory bowel disease susceptibility Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:35 AM PDT New research could clarify how inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), conditions that include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are triggered and develop. Scientists have shown how the immune system can compensate for a 'leaky gut' and prevent disease in mice that are susceptible to intestinal inflammation. These findings could explain why some individuals who are susceptible to developing IBD do or do not get the disease.

Geneticists verify cholesterol-cancer link Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:32 AM PDT Scientists have discovered new genetic evidence linking cholesterol and cancer, raising the possibility that cholesterol medications could be useful in the future for cancer prevention or to augment existing cancer treatment. The data support several recent population-based studies that suggest individuals who take cholesterol-lowering drugs may have a reduced risk of cancer, and, conversely that individuals with the highest levels of cholesterol seem to have an elevated risk of cancer.

Missing pieces of DNA structure is a red flag for deadly skin cancer Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:32 AM PDT Researchers have discovered a new biomarker for melanoma. The findings offer novel opportunities for skin cancer diagnostics, treatment and prevention.

Scientists map the genomic blueprint of the heart Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:32 AM PDT Scientists have revealed the precise order and timing of hundreds of genetic "switches" required to construct a fully functional heart from embryonic heart cells -- providing new clues into the genetic basis for some forms of congenital heart disease.

Natural killer T-cells in fat tissue guard against obesity, study finds Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:32 AM PDT Invariant natural killer T-cells (iNKT) are a unique subset of immune cells that are known to influence inflammatory responses. Now, a scientific team has found that iNKT cells play a protective role in guarding against obesity and the metabolic syndrome.

Fruit flies reveal new evolutionary link for studying human health: How they control body temperature through circadian rhythm Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:32 AM PDT New research reveals that fruit flies and mammals may share a surprising evolutionary link in how they control body temperature through circadian rhythm, unlocking new ways to study the insects as models of human development and disease. The study reports that similar to people, Drosophila fruit flies have a genetically driven internal clock. This circadian clock prompts the insects to seek out warmer or cooler external temperatures.

Two studies could lead to new personalized therapies for lung cancer patients Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:32 AM PDT Lung cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and is associated with very low survival rates. Two new genome-sequencing studies have uncovered novel genes involved in the deadly disease, as well as striking differences in mutations found in patients with and without a history of smoking. The findings could pave the way for personalized therapies that boost survival rates.

Cloned receptor paves way for new breast and prostate cancer treatment Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:29 AM PDT Researchers have cloned a T-cell receptor that binds to an antigen associated with prostate cancer and breast cancer. T cells that have been genetically equipped with this T-cell receptor have the ability to specifically kill prostate and breast cancer cells.

Under-twisted DNA origami delivers cancer drugs to tumors Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:29 AM PDT Scientists in Sweden describe in a new study how so-called DNA origami can enhance the effect of certain cytostatics used in the treatment of cancer. With the aid of modern nanotechnology, scientists can target drugs direct to the tumor while leaving surrounding healthy tissue untouched.

Tracking stem cell reprogramming: Biologists reveal genes key to development of pluripotency, in single cells Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:28 AM PDT Several years ago, biologists discovered that regular body cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells -- cells with the ability to become any other type of cell. Such cells hold great promise for treating many human diseases. These induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are usually created by genetically modifying cells to overexpress four genes that make them revert to an immature, embryonic state. However, the procedure works in only a small percentage of cells. Now, new genetic markers identified by researchers at MIT and the Whitehead Institute could help make that process more efficient, allowing scientists to predict which treated cells will successfully become pluripotent.

In lung cancer, smokers have 10 times more genetic damage than never-smokers Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:28 AM PDT Lung cancer patients with a history of smoking have 10 times more genetic mutations in their tumors than those with the disease who have never smoked, according to a new study.

Neural stem cells regenerate axons in severe spinal cord injury; functional recovery in rats Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:28 AM PDT A a new study, researchers were able to regenerate "an astonishing degree" of axonal growth at the site of severe spinal cord injury in rats. Their research revealed that early stage neurons have the ability to survive and extend axons to form new, functional neuronal relays across an injury site in the adult central nervous system (CNS).

Study explains decrease in insulin-producing beta cells in diabetes Posted: 13 Sep 2012 09:28 AM PDT Scientists generally think that reduced insulin production by the pancreas, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, is due to the death of the organ's beta cells. However, a new study shows that beta cells do not die but instead revert to a more fundamental, undifferentiated cell type. The findings suggest that strategies to prevent beta cells from de-differentiating, or to coax them to re-differentiate, might improve glucose balance in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Cell death mystery yields new suspect for cancer drug development Posted: 13 Sep 2012 07:50 AM PDT A mysterious form of cell death, coded in proteins and enzymes, led to a discovery by researchers uncovering a prime suspect for new cancer drug development.

Increased dietary fructose linked to elevated uric acid levels and lower liver energy stores Posted: 13 Sep 2012 07:41 AM PDT Obese patients with type 2 diabetes who consume higher amounts of fructose display reduced levels of liver adenosine triphosphate (ATP) -- a compound involved in the energy transfer between cells. The findings indicate that elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) are associated with more severe hepatic ATP depletion in response to fructose intake.

Chemist develops new synthesis of most useful, yet expensive, antimalarial drug Posted: 13 Sep 2012 07:40 AM PDT In 2010 malaria caused an estimated 665,000 deaths, mostly among African children. Now, chemists have developed a new synthesis for the world's most useful antimalarial drug, artemisinin, giving hope that fully synthetic artemisinin might help reduce the cost of the live-saving drug in the future.

Shine and Rise: Light-activated reversal of anesthesia Posted: 13 Sep 2012 05:46 AM PDT In a new study, a light-sensitive moiety has been added to propofol, a commonly used anesthetic, allowing its narcotic effect to be controlled by light. The compound also offers a possible route to the treatment of certain eye diseases.

Low ghrelin: Reducing appetite at the cost of increased stress? Posted: 13 Sep 2012 05:46 AM PDT Ghrelin is a hormone released by the lining of the stomach that promotes feeding behavior. Decreasing ghrelin levels could potentially help combat obesity -- in fact, a vaccine that lowers ghrelin levels in order to reduce appetite is being studied as a treatment for obesity. However, many people eat as a way to relieve stress. If low ghrelin levels increase stress, its effectiveness as a treatment for obesity may be reduced. In a new study, researchers show that mice with no ghrelin are more anxious after stress, but that administration of endogenous ghrelin prevents the over-anxious response.

Gestational exposure to urban air pollution linked to vitamin D deficiency in newborns Posted: 13 Sep 2012 05:39 AM PDT Gestational exposure to ambient urban air pollution, especially during late pregnancy, may contribute to lower vitamin D levels in offspring, according to a recent study.

Scientists Discover How an Out-of-Tune Protein Leads to Muscle Demise in Heart Failure Posted: 12 Sep 2012 01:19 PM PDT A new study has unraveled the changes in a key cardiac protein that can lead to heart muscle malfunction and precipitate heart failure.

Smoking abstinence tough for teens, too Posted: 12 Sep 2012 01:16 PM PDT A new study finds that relatively early into tobacco addiction, teens experience many of the same negative psychological effects during abstinence as adults do, with a couple exceptions. The data can inform efforts to improve the efficacy of quitting and withdrawal treatment programs.

Exercise may affect food motivation Posted: 12 Sep 2012 01:15 PM PDT It is commonly assumed that you can 'work up an appetite' with a vigorous workout. Turns out that theory may not be completely accurate -- at least immediately following exercise. New research shows that 45 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise in the morning actually reduces a person's motivation for food.

New analysis of drinking water-related gastrointestinal illness in U.S. Posted: 12 Sep 2012 09:58 AM PDT The distribution system piping in U.S. public water systems that rely on non-disinfected well water or "ground water" may be a largely unrecognized cause of up to 1.1 million annual cases of acute gastrointestinal illness, involving nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, scientists are reporting. Their study concludes that such illnesses may become more of a problem as much of the nation's drinking water supply system continues to deteriorate.

Record 4.02 billion prescriptions in United States in 2011 Posted: 12 Sep 2012 09:55 AM PDT People in the United States took more prescription drugs than ever last year, with the number of prescriptions increasing from 3.99 billion (with a cost of $308.6 billion) in 2010 to 4.02 billion (with a cost of $319.9 billion) in 2011.

An advance toward a flu-fighting nasal spray Posted: 12 Sep 2012 09:55 AM PDT In an advance toward development of a nasal spray that protects against infection with influenza and spread of the disease, scientists are reporting identification of a substance that activates the first-line defense system against infection inside the nose.

Important breakthrough in fight against muscular dystrophies Posted: 12 Sep 2012 09:55 AM PDT Recent findings by an international collaboration hold new implications for the pathogenesis of myotonic dystrophy.

Stress hormones: Good or bad for posttraumatic stress disorder risk? Posted: 12 Sep 2012 09:53 AM PDT Using an animal model of PTSD, researchers demonstrate that elevated levels of glucocorticoids at the time of acute stress confers protection against anxiety-like behavior and the delayed enhancing effect of stress on synaptic connectivity in the basolateral amygdala.

'Mad Cow' blood test now on the horizon Posted: 12 Sep 2012 06:38 AM PDT A simple blood test for Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and Mad Cow disease is a step closer, following a breakthrough by medical researchers in Australia.

Biochemists solve a birth-defect mystery Posted: 12 Sep 2012 06:38 AM PDT The cellular cause of birth defects like cleft palates, missing teeth and problems with fingers and toes has been a tricky puzzle for scientists. Now biochemists studied an ion channel that regulates the electrical charge of a cell and found that blocking this channel disrupts the work of a protein that is supposed to carry marching orders to the nucleus. This newly discovered mechanism may be what some birth defect disorders have in common, opening the door for the pursuit of a preventative treatment.

You are subscribed to email updates from ScienceDaily: Top Health News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610