ScienceDaily: Top Health News

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• Identifying teen alcohol and drug abuse
• Power isn't enough: Study reveals missing link for effective leadership
• Fighting parents hurt children's ability to recognize and regulate emotions
• Asian Americans lower insulin resistance on traditional diet
• Babies learn words differently as they age, researcher finds
• U.S. health system not properly designed to meet needs of patients nearing end of life, say experts
• Entrepreneurs aren't overconfident gamblers, researchers say
• Lack of facial expression leads to perceptions of unhappiness, new research shows
• Math model designed to replace invasive kidney biopsy for lupus patients
• Reduced energy density in foods can create healthier food environment, may help to reduce obesity
• Certain gut bacteria may induce metabolic changes following exposure to artificial sweeteners
• Testosterone therapy should only be for men with hypogonadism, experts say
• Smart teens rub off on teammates, study shows
• First blood test to diagnose depression in adults
• Role of hormone in response to ovarian cancer treatment
• Finding new genetic links to prostate cancer
• Abnormal properties of cancer protein revealed in fly eyes
• Five genes to predict colorectal cancer relapses
• Parts of genome without a known function may play a key role in the birth of new proteins
• Size at birth affects risk of adolescent mental health disorders
• Mechanism behind age-dependent diabetes discovered
• Many throat cancer patients can skip neck surgery
• Magnetic resonance helps detect, quantify fat in liver
• Protein variant may boost cardiovascular risk by hindering blood vessel repair
• Benefits, risks of yoga found for bipolar disorder
• Being social: Learning from the behavior of birds
• Improved risk identification will aid fertility preservation in young male cancer patients
• Treating insomnia in elderly reduces inflammation, lowers risk for chronic diseases
• One third of patients enter hospital malnourished
• Consumers will pay more for eco-friendly plants, study shows
• World Alzheimer Report 2014 reveals persuasive evidence for dementia risk reduction
• Sharks' skin has teeth in the fight against hospital superbugs
• Comprehensive recommendations on care of women at menopause, beyond
• Greater focus on socially disadvantaged women is needed to improve maternity care in England
• Impact of socioeconomic position, maternal morbidity in Australia
• Phthalates heighten risk for childhood asthma
• Modern forensic techniques identify most likely cause of King Richard III’s death
• Users of insulin pumps are at 29% lower risk of death compared with patients on insulin injections
• Diabetes complications make patients more likely to fall down stairs
• Statin treatment among over-80 age group must always be assessed individually
• Proteins Hey1, Hey2 ensure that inner ear 'hair cells' are made at the right time, in the right place
• Benefit of endocrine therapy in elderly women with low risk hormone receptor positive breast cancer?
• Patient's question triggers important study about blood thinners
• New radiosurgery technology provides highly accurate treatment, greater patient comfort
• Focus on treatment costs, value: Less radiation for elderly women with early breast cancer
• Effect of magnesium sulfate during pregnancy on very preterm infants
• Combination therapy for COPD associated with better outcomes
• Waistlines of U.S. adults continue to increase
• Point-of-care CD4 testing is economically feasible for HIV care in resource-limited areas
• Sepsis: New, novel therapy proposed by researchers

Identifying teen alcohol and drug abuse Posted: 17 Sep 2014 02:30 PM PDT The number of teens who abuse tobacco, alcohol, drugs and other substances hasn't changed much in the past couple of decades – but for those who are prone to addiction for one reason or another, the menu of substances to choose from is larger than ever.

Power isn't enough: Study reveals missing link for effective leadership Posted: 17 Sep 2014 12:19 PM PDT Leaders who fail to take into account their audiences' perspective have a far greater propensity to bungle the issue and conversation, research shows. The researchers found that when power was combined with perspective-taking when making a complex decision, participants were able to discover the optimal solution to a nuanced problem.

Fighting parents hurt children's ability to recognize and regulate emotions Posted: 17 Sep 2014 12:19 PM PDT Exposure to verbal and physical aggression between parents may hurt a child's ability to identify and control emotions, according to a longitudinal study. Exposure to conflict and violence in the home can shape children's neurobiological, cognitive, and behavioral responses.

Asian Americans lower insulin resistance on traditional diet Posted: 17 Sep 2014 12:19 PM PDT Asian Americans have been shown to lower insulin resistance on a traditional diet, researchers report. One part of this puzzle may lie in the transition from traditional high-fiber, low-fat Asian diets to current westernized diets, which may pose extra risks for those of Asian heritage, says the senior author of the study.

Babies learn words differently as they age, researcher finds Posted: 17 Sep 2014 11:14 AM PDT Researcher has found that toddlers learn words differently as they age, and a limit exists as to how many words they can learn each day. These findings could help parents enhance their children's vocabularies and assist speech-language professionals in developing and refining interventions to help children with language delays.

U.S. health system not properly designed to meet needs of patients nearing end of life, say experts Posted: 17 Sep 2014 10:18 AM PDT The US health care system is not properly designed to meet the needs of patients nearing the end of life and those of their families, and major changes to the system are necessary, says a new report.

Entrepreneurs aren't overconfident gamblers, researchers say Posted: 17 Sep 2014 10:18 AM PDT Leaving one's job to become an entrepreneur is inarguably risky. But it may not be the fear of risk that makes entrepreneurs more determined to succeed. A new study finds entrepreneurs are also concerned about what they might lose in the transition from steady employment to startup.

Lack of facial expression leads to perceptions of unhappiness, new research shows Posted: 17 Sep 2014 10:18 AM PDT People with facial paralysis are perceived as being less happy simply because they can't communicate in the universal language of facial expression, a new study shows. The findings highlight the important role the face plays in everyday communication and indicates people may hold a prejudice against those with facial paralysis because of their disability.

Math model designed to replace invasive kidney biopsy for lupus patients Posted: 17 Sep 2014 10:16 AM PDT Mathematics might be able to reduce the need for invasive biopsies in patients suffering kidney damage related to the autoimmune disease lupus. The model could also be used to monitor the effectiveness of experimental treatments for inflammation and fibrosis, researchers say.

Reduced energy density in foods can create healthier food environment, may help to reduce obesity Posted: 17 Sep 2014 10:16 AM PDT An official position statement pointing to the pervasive availability of foods high in energy density as a contributing factor for weight gain and obesity has been released by the Obesity Society. As detailed in the position statement, a diet reduced in energy density can accommodate a wide range of eating patterns, and can support a lifestyle that includes a healthy, well-balanced diet for weight management.

Certain gut bacteria may induce metabolic changes following exposure to artificial sweeteners Posted: 17 Sep 2014 10:16 AM PDT Artificial sweeteners have long been promoted as diet and health aids. But breaking research shows that these products may be leading to the very diseases they were said to help prevent: scientists have discovered that, after exposure to artificial sweeteners, our gut bacteria may be triggering harmful metabolic changes.

Testosterone therapy should only be for men with hypogonadism, experts say Posted: 17 Sep 2014 10:16 AM PDT The appropriate population for testosterone replacement therapy is men with hypogonadism, experts say. The treatment has vast potential for adverse cardiovascular outcomes associated with its use in inappropriate populations, they add. Though testosterone use has sharply increased among older men in the past decade, the experts say that testosterone therapy should be limited to men who meet the diagnostic guidelines for hypogonadism.

Smart teens rub off on teammates, study shows Posted: 17 Sep 2014 09:12 AM PDT Having smart teammates can double a high school student's odds of going to college, research shows, and the type of or club does not appear to matter. Participating in more than one extra-curricular activity didn't bring bigger benefits, the researchers add.

First blood test to diagnose depression in adults Posted: 17 Sep 2014 09:12 AM PDT The first blood test to diagnose major depression in adults has been developed, providing the first objective, scientific diagnosis for depression. The test also predicts who will benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, offering the opportunity for more effective, individualized therapy. The test also showed the biological effects of the therapy, the first measurable, blood-based evidence of the therapy's success and showed who is vulnerable to recurring episodes of depression.

Role of hormone in response to ovarian cancer treatment Posted: 17 Sep 2014 09:12 AM PDT The results of an investigation into how we might better tailor therapy for ovarian cancer have been released. The goal of the study was to investigate the role of the hormone HE4 in modulating an ovarian cancer's response to hormones and hormonal therapies. HE4 is a biomarker that is elevated in ovarian cancer and is known to play a role in resistance to chemotherapy.

Finding new genetic links to prostate cancer Posted: 17 Sep 2014 09:12 AM PDT 23 new regions of the genome have been discovered that influence the risk for developing prostate cancer, according to a study. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in American men. About 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with the disease in his lifetime. Family history is the strongest risk factor. A man with one close relative, a brother or father with prostate cancer is twice as likely to develop the disease as a man with no family history of prostate cancer.

Abnormal properties of cancer protein revealed in fly eyes Posted: 17 Sep 2014 09:10 AM PDT Mutations in the human retinoblastoma protein gene are a leading cause of eye cancer. Now, scientists have turned to fruit fly eyes to unlock the secrets of this important cancer gene. Since fruit flies are essentially tiny people with wings, in terms of genetics, these model organisms can play a key role in advancing human medicine.

Five genes to predict colorectal cancer relapses Posted: 17 Sep 2014 09:07 AM PDT Five genes have been discovered differentially expressed in normal accompanying cells in colorectal tumors. Analysis of these genes could be used to classify colorectal tumors, predict the evolution of the patient and thus take appropriate clinical decisions to prevent relapses.

Parts of genome without a known function may play a key role in the birth of new proteins Posted: 17 Sep 2014 09:07 AM PDT RNA called non-coding plays an important role in the evolution of new proteins, some of which could have important cell functions yet to be discovered, a study shows. The study analysed experiments carried out on six different species and identified almost 2,500 IncRNAs that were not in known databases.

Size at birth affects risk of adolescent mental health disorders Posted: 17 Sep 2014 09:07 AM PDT Compelling support has been offered for the general evolutionary theory that birth weight and length can partially predict the likelihood of being diagnosed with mental health disorders such as autism and schizophrenia later in life. The study analyzed medical records of 1.75 million Danish births, and subsequent hospital diagnoses for up to 30 years, and adjusted for almost all other known risk factors.

Mechanism behind age-dependent diabetes discovered Posted: 17 Sep 2014 09:07 AM PDT Aging of insulin-secreting cells is coupled to a progressive decline in signal transduction and insulin release, according to a recent study. Aging is among the largest known risk factors for many diseases, and type 2 diabetes is no exception. People older than 65 years have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes if their insulin-producing cells in the pancreas fail to compensate for insulin resistance.

Many throat cancer patients can skip neck surgery Posted: 17 Sep 2014 09:07 AM PDT Patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) -- the same virus associated with both cervical and head and neck cancer -- positive oropharyngeal cancer see significantly higher rates of complete response on a post-radiation neck dissection than those with HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer, researchers report.

Magnetic resonance helps detect, quantify fat in liver Posted: 17 Sep 2014 09:05 AM PDT Excess weight causes important alterations in an organism, one of which affects liver function. Fat accumulates in the liver producing hepatic steatosis which can cause inflammation, fibrosis and cirrhosis. To date, the most reliable method for determining hepatic fat has been hepatic biopsy. Imaging techniques such as abdominal ecography detect, but are less precise for determining the quantity of fat. Now a study has shown that magnetic resonance is a good method -- better still than hepatic biopsy -- for detecting fats in the liver and for quantifying them.

Protein variant may boost cardiovascular risk by hindering blood vessel repair Posted: 17 Sep 2014 09:05 AM PDT The most common variant of the circulating protein apolipoprotein E, called apoE3, helps repair the lining of blood vessels, researchers have found. Up to 15 percent of individuals possess the gene coding for apoE4, and why these individuals are at increased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease had previously been enigmatic.

Benefits, risks of yoga found for bipolar disorder Posted: 17 Sep 2014 06:29 AM PDT A survey of people with bipolar disorder who practice yoga have identified benefits and risks of the practice. The information, plus a pilot clinical trial currently underway, could help psychologists develop yoga as an adjunctive therapy for the condition.

Being social: Learning from the behavior of birds Posted: 17 Sep 2014 06:29 AM PDT Science has learned a great deal about complex social behavior by studying nonhuman mammals and primates, but parrots might have something to teach too. A new study -- the first to quantify the social lives of parrots using social network analysis -- provides intriguing new insights into parrot sociality revealing a sophisticated social structure with layers of relationships and complex interactions.

Improved risk identification will aid fertility preservation in young male cancer patients Posted: 17 Sep 2014 06:27 AM PDT Investigators have found the chemotherapy dose threshold below which male childhood cancer survivors are likely to have normal sperm production. By clarifying which patients are at highest risk for reduced sperm production as adults, researchers expect the findings to eventually increase use of pre-treatment fertility preservation methods such as sperm banking.

Treating insomnia in elderly reduces inflammation, lowers risk for chronic diseases Posted: 17 Sep 2014 06:27 AM PDT Insomnia can cause chronic inflammation, which can lead to hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and more. This study finds that curing the insomnia reduces the inflammation and hopefully reduces disease. It also found the best way to cure lack of sleep is through the use of a common psychotherapy treatment—cognitive behavioral therapy.

One third of patients enter hospital malnourished Posted: 17 Sep 2014 06:27 AM PDT About one in three patients enters the hospital with malnutrition, according to registered dietitians at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital of Loyola University Health System. This can lead to poor patient outcomes and longer hospital stays.

Consumers will pay more for eco-friendly plants, study shows Posted: 17 Sep 2014 06:27 AM PDT People make decisions all the time, and some have long-term consequences: Do I work out? Do I take the bus? Do I recycle? Researchers have found those who value long-term consequences of their decisions are more apt to buy eco-friendly plants.

World Alzheimer Report 2014 reveals persuasive evidence for dementia risk reduction Posted: 17 Sep 2014 04:32 AM PDT The World Alzheimer Report 2014 'Dementia and Risk Reduction: An analysis of protective and modifiable factors,' released today, suggests that dementia risk for populations can be modified through tobacco control and better prevention, detection and control of hypertension and diabetes. The report calls for dementia to be integrated into both global and national public health programs alongside other major noncommunicable diseases.

Sharks' skin has teeth in the fight against hospital superbugs Posted: 17 Sep 2014 04:32 AM PDT Transmission of bacterial infections, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus could be curbed by coating hospital surfaces with microscopic bumps that mimic the scaly surface of shark skin, according to research.

Comprehensive recommendations on care of women at menopause, beyond Posted: 17 Sep 2014 04:32 AM PDT Key, evidence-based recommendations for the comprehensive care of midlife women -- on everything from hot flashes to heart disease -- have been published. This is the first, comprehensive set of evidence-based recommendations for the care of midlife women freely available to all clinicians who care for women at this stage of life.

Greater focus on socially disadvantaged women is needed to improve maternity care in England Posted: 17 Sep 2014 04:32 AM PDT Women from lower socioeconomic groups in the UK report a poorer experience of care during pregnancy and there needs to be a greater focus on their care, suggests a new study.

Impact of socioeconomic position, maternal morbidity in Australia Posted: 17 Sep 2014 04:32 AM PDT The risk of severe maternal morbidity amongst women in Australia is increased by lower socioeconomic position, suggests a new study. Maternal age was also significantly associated with maternal morbidity, with women aged between 30 and 34 being 1.4 times more likely and women aged 35 and over being 2.3 times more likely to suffer from maternal morbidity.

Phthalates heighten risk for childhood asthma Posted: 17 Sep 2014 04:32 AM PDT An association between childhood asthma and prenatal exposure to two phthalates used in a diverse array of household products has been discovered by researchers. Phthalates are used in everything from synthetic fragrances to plastic food containers, vinyl flooring, insect repellent, shower curtains, even steering wheels and dashboards ("new car smell" contains phthalates).

Modern forensic techniques identify most likely cause of King Richard III’s death Posted: 17 Sep 2014 04:31 AM PDT The remains of King Richard III -- the last English monarch to die in battle -- were found under a car park in Leicester by archaeologists. The forensic imaging team used whole body CT scans and micro-CT imaging of injured bones to analyze trauma to the 500-year-old skeleton carefully, and to determine which of the King's wounds might have proved fatal.

Users of insulin pumps are at 29% lower risk of death compared with patients on insulin injections Posted: 16 Sep 2014 03:22 PM PDT Use of insulin pumps to administer insulin rather than treatment with multiple daily insulin injections results in a 29 percent reduction in all-cause mortality and 43 percent reduction in the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease, concludes a study of more than 18,000 patients with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes complications make patients more likely to fall down stairs Posted: 16 Sep 2014 03:22 PM PDT People suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy -- a complication of diabetes that affects the nerves in the limbs -- are likely to sway more during stair climbing, and thus are more likely to fall, research shows.

Statin treatment among over-80 age group must always be assessed individually Posted: 16 Sep 2014 03:20 PM PDT The need for cholesterol treatment among people over 80 must always be assessed individually by taking into account the patient's overall situation and health, experts recommend. The number of cholesterol patients over the age of 80 is clearly growing, and cardiovascular diseases in this age group are very common.

Proteins Hey1, Hey2 ensure that inner ear 'hair cells' are made at the right time, in the right place Posted: 16 Sep 2014 03:19 PM PDT The "molecular brakes" that time the generation of important cells in the inner ear cochleas of mice have been discovered by neuroscientists. These "hair cells" translate sound waves into electrical signals that are carried to the brain and are interpreted as sounds. If the arrangement of the cells is disordered, hearing is impaired, researchers report.

Benefit of endocrine therapy in elderly women with low risk hormone receptor positive breast cancer? Posted: 16 Sep 2014 01:25 PM PDT Treatment with endocrine therapy and radiation therapy as part of breast conservation is the current standard of care for women with hormone-receptor positive invasive breast cancer. A new study, however, shows that combination may not be necessary for all patient populations with the disease.

Patient's question triggers important study about blood thinners Posted: 16 Sep 2014 01:25 PM PDT Physicians around the world now have guidance that can help them determine the best oral blood thinners to use for their patients suffering from blood clots in their veins, thanks to a patient who asked his physician a question he couldn't answer.

New radiosurgery technology provides highly accurate treatment, greater patient comfort Posted: 16 Sep 2014 01:25 PM PDT A new stereotactic radiosurgery system provides the same or a higher level of accuracy in targeting cancer tumors -- but offers greater comfort to patients and the ability to treat multiple tumors at once -- when compared to other radiation therapy stereotactic systems, according to researchers.

Focus on treatment costs, value: Less radiation for elderly women with early breast cancer Posted: 16 Sep 2014 01:25 PM PDT In a healthcare climate where the costs of treatment are increasingly weighed against potential benefit, a study has found that radiation oncologists are using fewer or less-aggressive radiation procedures on elderly women with early-stage breast cancer.

Effect of magnesium sulfate during pregnancy on very preterm infants Posted: 16 Sep 2014 01:24 PM PDT Magnesium sulfate given intravenously to pregnant women at risk of very preterm birth was not associated with benefit on neurological, behavioral, growth, or functional outcomes in their children at school age, according to a study.

Combination therapy for COPD associated with better outcomes Posted: 16 Sep 2014 01:24 PM PDT Among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly those with asthma, newly prescribed long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) and inhaled corticosteroid combination therapy, compared with newly prescribed LABAs alone, was associated with a lower risk of death or COPD hospitalization, according to a study.

Waistlines of U.S. adults continue to increase Posted: 16 Sep 2014 01:24 PM PDT The prevalence of abdominal obesity and average waist circumference increased among U.S. adults from 1999 to 2012, according to a study. Waist circumference is a simple measure of total and intra-abdominal body fat. Although the prevalence of abdominal obesity has increased in the United States through 2008, its trend in recent years has not been known.

Point-of-care CD4 testing is economically feasible for HIV care in resource-limited areas Posted: 16 Sep 2014 11:15 AM PDT Routine use of point-of-care CD4 testing at the time of HIV diagnosis would be cost effective in countries where health care and other resources are severely limited, experts say.

Sepsis: New, novel therapy proposed by researchers Posted: 16 Sep 2014 11:15 AM PDT Pentatraxin 3 (PTX3), a protein that helps the innate immune system target invaders such as bacteria and viruses, can reduce mortality of mice suffering from sepsis, researchers have discovered. This discovery may lead to a therapy for sepsis, a major cause of death in developed countries that is fatal in one in four cases.

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