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Thursday, June 6, 2013

ScienceDaily: Top Health News

ScienceDaily: Top Health News


Nutrition during first 1,000 days of life crucial for childhood and economic development

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 08:07 PM PDT

New research on maternal and childhood nutrition finds that over 3 million children die every year of malnutrition -— accounting for nearly half of all child deaths under 5. Along with state-of-the-art global estimates on the long-term burden of malnutrition, the series presents a new framework for prevention and treatment that considers underlying factors, such as food security, social conditions, resources, and governance.

Study suggests fathers should ask kids: 'Am I the dad you need me to be?'

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:05 PM PDT

As Father's Day approaches, psychologists say dads should ask their children for a little more feedback than they might get with the yearly greeting card. A new study found that the way young people interpret their father's parenting behavior varies depending on the child's gender, ethnicity and whether the father is their biological dad or stepfather.

A 20-minute bout of yoga stimulates brain function immediately after

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:05 PM PDT

Researchers report that a single, 20-minute session of Hatha yoga significantly improved participants' speed and accuracy on tests of working memory and inhibitory control, two measures of brain function associated with the ability to maintain focus and take in, retain and use new information. Participants performed significantly better immediately after the yoga practice than after moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise for the same amount of time.

Genetic mutation inherited from father's side linked to early puberty

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:05 PM PDT

Researchers have identified that a genetic mutation leads to a type of premature puberty, known as central precocious puberty.

Nontoxic cancer therapy proves effective against metastatic cancer

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:01 PM PDT

A combination of dietary and hyperbaric oxygen therapies effectively increased survival time in a mouse model of aggressive metastatic cancer, a new research team found. The study demonstrates the potential of these cost-effective, nontoxic therapies to positively contribute to current cancer treatment regimens.

Over 120,000-year-old bone tumor in Neandertal specimen found

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:01 PM PDT

The first case of a bone tumor of the ribs in a Neanderthal specimen reveals that at least one Neanderthal suffered a cancer that is common in modern-day humans, according to new research.

When angry, talk: Describing emotional situations alters heart rate, cardiac output

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:01 PM PDT

The act of describing a feeling such as anger may have a significant impact on the body's physiological response to the situation that elicits the emotion, according to new research.

Neuroimaging may offer new way to diagnose bipolar disorder

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:00 PM PDT

MRI may be an effective way to diagnose mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, according to experts.

Rapid, irregular heartbeat may be linked to problems with memory and thinking

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 03:59 PM PDT

People who develop a type of irregular heartbeat common in old age called atrial fibrillation may also be more likely to develop problems with memory and thinking, according to new research.

Gut bacteria play key role in vaccination

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 03:59 PM PDT

The bacteria that live in the human gut may play an important role in immune response to vaccines and infection by wild-type enteric organisms, according to two recent studies.

Scientists unexpectedly discover stress-resistant stem cells in fat tissue removed during liposuction

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 03:59 PM PDT

Researchers have isolated a new population of primitive, stress-resistant human pluripotent stem cells easily derived from fat tissue that are able to differentiate into virtually every cell type in the human body without genetic modification.

More fresh air in classrooms means fewer absences

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:45 AM PDT

If you suspect that opening windows to let in fresh air might be good for you, a new study has confirmed your hunch. Analyzing extensive data on ventilation rates collected from more than 150 classrooms in California over two years, the researchers found that bringing classroom ventilation rates up to the state-mandated standard may reduce student absences due to illness by approximately 3.4 percent.

Scientists discover how HIV kills immune cells; Findings have implications for HIV treatment

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:44 AM PDT

Untreated HIV infection destroys a person's immune system by killing infection-fighting cells, but precisely when and how HIV wreaks this destruction has been a mystery until now. New research reveals how HIV triggers a signal telling an infected immune cell to die. This finding has implications for preserving the immune systems of HIV-infected individuals.

Genetic testing of rare blood cancer reveals new mutation

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:44 AM PDT

A recent article describes genetic testing of a rare blood cancer called atypical chronic neutrophilic leukemia that revealed a new mutation present in most patients with the disease.

'Belief in science' increases in stressful situations

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:44 AM PDT

A faith in the explanatory and revealing power of science increases in the face of stress or anxiety, a study by psychologists suggests. The researchers argue that a 'belief in science' may help non-religious people deal with adversity by offering comfort and reassurance, as has been reported previously for religious belief.

Over-produced autism gene alters synapses, affects learning and behavior in mice

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:44 AM PDT

A gene linked to autism spectrum disorders that was manipulated in two lines of transgenic mice produced mature adults with irreversible deficits affecting either learning or social interaction.

Multiple sclerosis: Phase 1 trial safely resets patients' immune systems, reduces attack on myelin protein

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:43 AM PDT

A phase 1 clinical trial for the first treatment to reset the immune system of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients showed the therapy was safe and dramatically reduced patients' immune systems' reactivity to myelin by 50 to 75 percent. The therapy used billions of patients' own specially processed blood cells to create tolerance to myelin, the insulating layer that forms around nerves. In MS, the immune system attacks myelin. The approach left the normal immune system intact.

Drug prevents post-traumatic stress-like symptoms in mice

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:39 AM PDT

When injected into mice immediately following a traumatic event, a new drug prevents the animals from developing memory problems and increased anxiety that are indicative of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Formula-feeding linked to metabolic stress and increased risk of later disease

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:37 AM PDT

New evidence from research suggests that infants fed formula, rather than breast milk, experience metabolic stress that could play a part in the long-recognized link between formula-feeding and an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other conditions in adult life.

New study rebuts increase in willingness to cooperate from intuitive thinking

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:37 AM PDT

A study that was presented in Nature last year attracted a great deal of attention when it asserted that intuition promotes cooperation. But a group of researchers in behavioral and neuroeconomics say that this is not true, in a new study now being published in Nature.

Malaria's deadly grip revealed: Severe malaria breakthrough

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:35 AM PDT

Researchers have identified how malaria parasites growing inside red blood cells stick to the sides of blood vessels in severe cases of malaria. The discovery may advance the development of vaccines or drugs to combat severe malaria by stopping the parasites attaching to blood vessels.

Targeting an aspect of Down syndrome

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:29 AM PDT

Researchers have determined how a gene that is known to be defective in Down syndrome is regulated and how its dysregulation may lead to neurological defects, providing insights into potential therapeutic approaches to an aspect of the syndrome.

Neurochemical traffic signals may open new avenues for the treatment of schizophrenia

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:02 AM PDT

Researchers have uncovered important clues about a biochemical pathway in the brain that may one day expand treatment options for schizophrenia.

First dual-action compound kills cancer cells, stops them from spreading

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:02 AM PDT

Scientists are reporting development and successful lab tests on the first potential drug to pack a lethal one-two punch against melanoma skin cancer cells. Hit number one destroys cells in the main tumor, and the second hit blocks the spread of the cancer to other sites in the body, according to their report.

Cheese may prevent cavities

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:01 AM PDT

Consuming dairy products is vital to maintaining good overall health, and it's especially important to bone health. But there has been little research about how dairy products affect oral health in particular. However, according to a new study, consuming cheese and other dairy products may help protect teeth against cavities.

Concerns about anesthesia's impact on the brain

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:01 AM PDT

As pediatric specialists become increasingly aware that surgical anesthesia may have lasting effects on the developing brains of young children, new research suggests the threat may also apply to adult brains. Researchers report that testing in laboratory mice shows anesthesia's neurotoxic effects depend on the age of brain neurons -- not the age of the animal undergoing anesthesia, as once thought.

Scientists map the wiring of the biological clock

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:01 AM PDT

Biologists have discovered a crucial part of the biological clock: the wiring that sets its accuracy to within a few minutes out of the 1440 minutes per day. This wiring uses the neurotransmitter, GABA, to connect the individual cells of the biological clock in a fast network that changes strength with time of day.

Metastatic breast cancer study shows success in finding new treatment

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 08:15 AM PDT

A new study shows success in pinpointing individualized treatment for women with metastatic breast cancer.

Obese mums may pass health risks on to grandchildren

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 07:44 AM PDT

Health problems linked to obesity -- like heart disease and diabetes -- could skip an entire generation, a new study suggests.

New screening technique paves the way for protein drugs from bacteria

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 07:44 AM PDT

A cheaper, more efficient technique for developing complex protein drugs from bacteria has been developed.

Nearly one-third of children with autism also have ADHD

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 07:39 AM PDT

Researchers have found that children with co-occurrence of autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders face greater impairments.

Neuronal regeneration and the two-part design of nerves

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 06:07 AM PDT

Researchers have evidence that a single gene controls both halves of nerve cells, and their research demonstrates the need to consider that design in the development of new treatments for regeneration of nerve cells.

Alzheimer's disease drugs linked to reduced risk of heart attacks

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 06:02 AM PDT

Drugs that are used for treating Alzheimer's disease in its early stages are linked to a reduced risk of heart attacks and death, according to a large study of over 7,000 people with Alzheimer's disease in Sweden.

Protein block stops vascular damage in diabetes

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 06:01 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered how to stop the destructive process that leads to cardiovascular disease in diabetic laboratory animals.

Older adult clumsiness linked to brain changes

Posted: 05 Jun 2013 05:59 AM PDT

For many older adults, the aging process seems to go hand-in-hand with an annoying increase in clumsiness. New research suggests some of these reaching-and-grasping difficulties may be caused by changes in the mental frame of reference that older adults use to visualize nearby objects.

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