ScienceDaily: Top Health News

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• Researchers find three unique cell-to-cell bonds
• Softening arteries, protecting the heart: Connection between 'good' cholesterol and collagen in heart health
• Trickle-down anxiety: Study examines parental behaviors that create anxious children
• Music in our ears: The science of timbre
• Regular physical activity reduces risk of dementia in older people
• Combination treatment may improve survival of breast cancer patients with brain metastases
• New light on the genetic basis of inflammatory diseases
• New target for lung cancer treatment identified
• Promising therapy developed for Huntington's disease
• Researchers use blood testing to predict level of enzymes that facilitate disease progression
• Antibiotics observed attacking tuberculosis: Mass spectrometry shows scientists how antibiotics function inside living bacteria
• Rethinking reading instruction
• New therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease identified
• First effective treatment of tumors arising from common genetic disease NF1, suggested by study
• Gene switch important in cancer discovered
• Laser-light testing of breast tumor fiber patterns helps show whose cancer is spreading
• Genetic test results for Lynch syndrome improved with new computer program
• New target discovered for food allergy treatment
• A protein's role in helping cells repair DNA damage
• Caffeine's effect on the brain's adenosine receptors visualized for the first time
• Novel technique to produce stem cells from peripheral blood
• Feedback loop maintains basal cell population
• Male fertility can be restored after cancer treatment, researchers find
• Gene required for nerve regeneration identified
• Toilet training methods not responsible for differences in volume of urinary accidents
• Targeting drugs with hydrogels
• Scientists create 'endless supply' of myelin-forming cells
• Computational medicine enhances way doctors detect, treat disease
• Adding soy to diet does not affect onset of menopausal hot flashes
• This is your brain on politics: Neuroscience reveals brain differences between Republicans and Democrats
• Toward making replacement organs: Scientists learn how to unlock the destiny of a cell
• High blood cholesterol is overlooked
• Meth vaccine shows promising results in early tests; Blocking a meth high could help addicts committed to recovery
• Repeated surgeries appear to extend life of patients with deadliest of brain cancers
• Use of antipsychotic drugs improves life expectancy for individuals with schizophrenia
• The cost of prescription drugs: Comparison of two countries
• More evidence needed to support use of autism interventions
• Inflammation and cognition in schizophrenia
• High blood pressure damages the brain in early middle age
• New multiple sclerosis drug proves effective where others have failed
• Five year olds are generous only when they're watched
• When people worry about math, the brain feels the pain
• Chronic conditions offer first clues about risk for fatal sepsis
• Chronic kidney disease increases risk of death at all ages, study finds
• New genetic links for inflammatory bowel disease uncovered
• Mice with 'humanized' livers improve early drug testing, scientists show
• Triple-negative breast cancer associated with higher risk of local recurrence
• New hope for survivors of stroke and traumatic brain injury
• Team uses antisense technology that exploits gene splicing mechanism to kill cancer cells
• Scientists unravel resistance to breast cancer treatment
• First-ever 3-D stress map of developing embryonic heart sheds light on why defects form

Researchers find three unique cell-to-cell bonds Posted: 01 Nov 2012 02:21 PM PDT The human body has more than a trillion cells, most of them connected, cell to neighboring cells. How, exactly, do those bonds work? What happens when a pulling force is applied to those bonds? How long before they break? Does a better understanding of all those bonds and their responses to force have implications for fighting disease? A research team is answering those questions as it studies the biomechanics and biophysics of the proteins that bond cells together.

Softening arteries, protecting the heart: Connection between 'good' cholesterol and collagen in heart health Posted: 01 Nov 2012 02:21 PM PDT Arterial stiffening has long been considered a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Keeping arteries soft and supple might reduce disease risk, but the mechanisms of how arteries stave off hardening has remained elusive. Researchers have discovered that the protein apolipoprotein E plays a major role in maintaining arterial softness by suppressing production of the extracellular matrix.

Trickle-down anxiety: Study examines parental behaviors that create anxious children Posted: 01 Nov 2012 02:19 PM PDT Parents with social anxiety disorder are more likely than parents with other forms of anxiety to engage in behaviors that put their children at high risk for developing angst of their own, according to a small study of parent-child pairs.

Music in our ears: The science of timbre Posted: 01 Nov 2012 02:19 PM PDT A new study offers insight into the neural underpinnings of musical timbre. Researchers have used mathematical models based on experiments in both animals and humans to accurately predict sound source recognition and perceptual timbre judgments by human listeners.

Regular physical activity reduces risk of dementia in older people Posted: 01 Nov 2012 01:27 PM PDT Regular physical activity may help older people reduce their chances of getting dementia.

Combination treatment may improve survival of breast cancer patients with brain metastases Posted: 01 Nov 2012 12:36 PM PDT Adding an angiogenesis inhibitor to treatment with a HER2-inhibiting drug could improve outcomes for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who develop brain metastases. Investigators report the first preclinical study combining antiangiogenic and anti-HER2 drugs in an animal model of brain metastatic breast cancer.

New light on the genetic basis of inflammatory diseases Posted: 01 Nov 2012 12:36 PM PDT In one of the largest studies of its kind ever conducted, an international team of scientists has thrown new light on the genetic basis of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two most common forms of IBD, are chronic inflammatory digestive disorders.

New target for lung cancer treatment identified Posted: 01 Nov 2012 12:35 PM PDT Investigators have discovered a protein on the surface of lung cancer cells that could prove to be an important new target for anti-cancer therapy. A series of experiments in mice with lung cancer showed that specific targeting of the protein with monoclonal antibodies reduced the size of tumors, lowered the occurrence of metastases and substantially lengthened survival time.

Promising therapy developed for Huntington's disease Posted: 01 Nov 2012 12:35 PM PDT There's new hope in the fight against Huntington's disease. Scientists have helped design a compound that suppresses symptoms of the devastating disease in mice. The compound is a synthetic antioxidant that targets mitochondria, an organelle that serves as a cell's power plant. Oxidative damage to mitochondria is implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases.

Researchers use blood testing to predict level of enzymes that facilitate disease progression Posted: 01 Nov 2012 11:12 AM PDT Researchers are developing a technique for predicting from a simple blood sample the amount of cathepsins -- protein-degrading enzymes known to accelerate certain diseases -- a specific person would produce. This patient-specific information may be helpful in developing personalized approaches to treat these tissue-destructive diseases.

Antibiotics observed attacking tuberculosis: Mass spectrometry shows scientists how antibiotics function inside living bacteria Posted: 01 Nov 2012 11:12 AM PDT Researchers report that mass spectrometry, a tool currently used to detect and measure proteins and lipids, can also now allow biologists to "see" for the first time exactly how drugs work inside living cells to kill infectious microbes. As a result, scientists may be able to improve existing antibiotics and design new, smarter ones to fight deadly infections, such as tuberculosis.

Rethinking reading instruction Posted: 01 Nov 2012 11:11 AM PDT Many educators have long believed that when words differ on only one sound, early readers can learn the rules of phonics by focusing on what is different between the words. Scientists are turning that thinking on its head. A recent study shows certain kinds of variation in words may help early readers learn better.

New therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease identified Posted: 01 Nov 2012 11:11 AM PDT Medical researchers have identified an enzyme called Monoacylglycerol lipase as a new therapeutic target to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease.

First effective treatment of tumors arising from common genetic disease NF1, suggested by study Posted: 01 Nov 2012 11:11 AM PDT Physician-researchers have reported the first effective therapy for a class of previously untreatable and potentially life-threatening tumors often found in children.

Gene switch important in cancer discovered Posted: 01 Nov 2012 11:11 AM PDT Scientists have shown that the "switches" that regulate the expression of genes play a major role in the development of cancer. In a new study they have investigated a gene region that contains a particular single nucleotide variant associated with increased risk for developing colorectal and prostate cancers -- and found that removing this region caused dramatic resistance to tumor formation.

Laser-light testing of breast tumor fiber patterns helps show whose cancer is spreading Posted: 01 Nov 2012 11:10 AM PDT Using advanced microscopes equipped with tissue-penetrating laser light, cancer imaging experts have developed a promising, new way to accurately analyze the distinctive patterns of ultra-thin collagen fibers in breast tumor tissue samples and to help tell if the cancer has spread.

Genetic test results for Lynch syndrome improved with new computer program Posted: 01 Nov 2012 11:10 AM PDT Genetic test results for Lynch syndrome often prove inconclusive, but two new studies show that two-thirds to three-fourths of genetic variants can be classified into categories that indicate the most appropriate screening and treatment guidelines.

New target discovered for food allergy treatment Posted: 01 Nov 2012 10:16 AM PDT Researchers have discovered a novel target for the treatment of food allergies. Levels of the enzyme Pim 1 kinase rise in the small intestines of peanut-allergic mice. Inhibiting activity of Pim 1 markedly reduced the allergic response to peanuts.

A protein's role in helping cells repair DNA damage Posted: 01 Nov 2012 10:16 AM PDT Scientists have described the role that a protein called TFIIB plays in helping cells repair DNA damage, a critical function for preventing the growth of tumors.

Caffeine's effect on the brain's adenosine receptors visualized for the first time Posted: 01 Nov 2012 09:16 AM PDT Molecular imaging with positron emission tomography has enabled scientists for the first time to visualize binding sites of caffeine in the living human brain to explore possible positive and negative effects of caffeine consumption.

Novel technique to produce stem cells from peripheral blood Posted: 01 Nov 2012 09:15 AM PDT Stem cells are a valuable resource for medical and biological research, but are difficult to study due to ethical and societal barriers. However, genetically manipulated cells from adults may provide a path to study stem cells that avoid any ethical concerns. A new video-protocol details steps to generate human induced pluripotent stem cells from cells in the peripheral blood.

Feedback loop maintains basal cell population Posted: 01 Nov 2012 09:15 AM PDT Notch -- the protein that can help determine cell fate -- maintains a stable population of basal cells in the prostate through a positive feedback loop system with another key protein -- TGF beta (transforming growth factor beta), said researchers.

Male fertility can be restored after cancer treatment, researchers find Posted: 01 Nov 2012 09:15 AM PDT An injection of banked sperm-producing stem cells can restore fertility to males who become sterile due to cancer drug side effects, according to researchers. In their animal study, previously frozen stem cells restored production of sperm that successfully fertilized eggs to produce early embryos.

Gene required for nerve regeneration identified Posted: 01 Nov 2012 09:15 AM PDT A gene that is associated with regeneration of injured nerve cells has been identified. Scientists found that a mutation in a single gene can entirely shut down the process by which the nerve cell's axons regrow after being cut or damaged. The researchers hope that this discovery will open the door to new research related to spinal-cord and other neurological disorders in humans.

Toilet training methods not responsible for differences in volume of urinary accidents Posted: 01 Nov 2012 09:11 AM PDT Physician researchers show that the method of training chosen by parents is not the cause of urinary accidents in children.

Targeting drugs with hydrogels Posted: 01 Nov 2012 09:08 AM PDT Researchers in Japan have developed a technique which allows them to control and target drug delivery to specific sites of the body at specific times, thus reducing side effects and improving treatment dramatically.

Scientists create 'endless supply' of myelin-forming cells Posted: 01 Nov 2012 08:12 AM PDT In a new study, researchers have unlocked the complex cellular mechanics that instruct specific brain cells to continue to divide. This discovery overcomes a significant technical hurdle to potential human stem cell therapies; ensuring that an abundant supply of cells is available to study and ultimately treat people with diseases.

Computational medicine enhances way doctors detect, treat disease Posted: 01 Nov 2012 08:10 AM PDT Computational medicine, a fast-growing method of using computer models and sophisticated software to figure out how disease develops -- and how to thwart it -- has begun to leap off the drawing board and land in the hands of doctors who treat patients for heart ailments, cancer and other illnesses.

Adding soy to diet does not affect onset of menopausal hot flashes Posted: 01 Nov 2012 08:06 AM PDT Eating soy products such as soy milk and tofu did not prevent the onset of hot flashes and night sweats as women entered menopause.

This is your brain on politics: Neuroscience reveals brain differences between Republicans and Democrats Posted: 01 Nov 2012 07:50 AM PDT New research provides fresh evidence that choosing a candidate may depend largely on our biological make-up. That's because the brains of self-identified Democrats and Republicans are hard-wired differently and may be naturally inclined to hold varying, if not opposing, perceptions and values. This study showed a strong link with broad social connectedness with Democrats, and a strong link with tight social connectedness with Republicans

Toward making replacement organs: Scientists learn how to unlock the destiny of a cell Posted: 01 Nov 2012 07:02 AM PDT Scientists have discovered that breaking a biological signaling system in an embryo allows them to change the destiny of a cell. The findings could lead to new ways of making replacement organs.

High blood cholesterol is overlooked Posted: 01 Nov 2012 07:02 AM PDT High blood cholesterol, a serious hereditary disease, is far more common than previously recognised and not treated sufficiently, according to a new study.

Meth vaccine shows promising results in early tests; Blocking a meth high could help addicts committed to recovery Posted: 01 Nov 2012 07:01 AM PDT Scientists have performed successful tests of an experimental methamphetamine vaccine on rats. Vaccinated animals that received the drug were largely protected from typical signs of meth intoxication. If the vaccine proves effective in humans too, it could become the first specific treatment for meth addiction, which is estimated to affect 25 million people worldwide.

Repeated surgeries appear to extend life of patients with deadliest of brain cancers Posted: 01 Nov 2012 04:31 AM PDT People who undergo repeated surgeries to remove glioblastomas -- the most aggressive and deadliest type of brain tumors -- may survive longer than those who have just a one-time operation, new research suggests.

Use of antipsychotic drugs improves life expectancy for individuals with schizophrenia Posted: 01 Nov 2012 04:31 AM PDT Individuals with schizophrenia are significantly more likely to live longer if they take their antipsychotic drugs on schedule, avoid extremely high doses and also regularly see a mental health professional.

The cost of prescription drugs: Comparison of two countries Posted: 01 Nov 2012 04:31 AM PDT In the United States, the cost paid for statins (drugs to lower cholesterol) in people under the age of 65 who have private insurance continues to exceed comparable costs paid by the government in the United Kingdom by more than threefold.

More evidence needed to support use of autism interventions Posted: 01 Nov 2012 04:31 AM PDT A new study finds there is not evidence to fully endorse any nonmedical interventions designed to help children with autism spectrum disorders. The findings underscore the need for new, well-designed studies to better evaluate the effects of different interventions and improve understanding of which children may benefit from the efforts.

Inflammation and cognition in schizophrenia Posted: 01 Nov 2012 04:30 AM PDT There are a growing number of clues that immune and inflammatory mechanisms are important for the biology of schizophrenia. In a new study scientists explored the impact of the interleukin-1² gene (IL1²) on brain function alterations associated with schizophrenia.

High blood pressure damages the brain in early middle age Posted: 31 Oct 2012 06:42 PM PDT Uncontrolled high blood pressure damages the brain's structure and function as early as young middle-age, and even the brains of middle-aged people who clinically would not be considered to have hypertension have evidence of silent structural brain damage, a study has found.

New multiple sclerosis drug proves effective where others have failed Posted: 31 Oct 2012 06:41 PM PDT A drug which "reboots" a person's immune system has been shown to be an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis patients who have already failed to respond to the first drug with which they were treated (a "first-line" therapy), as well as affected individuals who were previously untreated.

Five year olds are generous only when they're watched Posted: 31 Oct 2012 06:41 PM PDT Children as young as five are generous when others are aware of their actions, but antisocial when sharing with a recipient who can't see them, according to new research.

When people worry about math, the brain feels the pain Posted: 31 Oct 2012 06:37 PM PDT Mathematics anxiety can prompt a response in the brain similar to when a person experiences physical pain. Using brain scans, scholars determined that the brain areas active when highly math-anxious people prepare to do math overlap with the same brain areas that register the threat of bodily harm—and in some cases, physical pain.

Chronic conditions offer first clues about risk for fatal sepsis Posted: 31 Oct 2012 06:37 PM PDT A new study finds that having chronic lung, kidney or heart disease more than doubles a patient's risk of future sepsis. Worse yet, the risks are additive.

Chronic kidney disease increases risk of death at all ages, study finds Posted: 31 Oct 2012 11:20 AM PDT A new study finds chronic kidney disease and its complications were associated with a higher risk of death regardless of age.

New genetic links for inflammatory bowel disease uncovered Posted: 31 Oct 2012 11:18 AM PDT Researchers from the Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis communities have come together to share raw data as well as newly collected genetic information to dissect the biology of a group of conditions that affects millions of people. Their research centers on the two diseases, which are collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease and suggests a fundamental connection between risk of IBD and genes involved in other immune-related diseases and the immune system's response to pathogens.

Mice with 'humanized' livers improve early drug testing, scientists show Posted: 31 Oct 2012 11:18 AM PDT Scientists have used bioengineered mice with livers composed largely of human cells to characterize a drug about to enter early-stage clinical development for combating hepatitis C.

Triple-negative breast cancer associated with higher risk of local recurrence Posted: 31 Oct 2012 11:17 AM PDT Research shows that women with triple-negative breast cancer and no more than three positive lymph nodes following a mastectomy have a higher risk of local recurrence than similar women whose disease is not classified as triple-negative.

New hope for survivors of stroke and traumatic brain injury Posted: 31 Oct 2012 09:55 AM PDT A new study provides clinical evidence that, for the first time, chronic neurological dysfunction from stroke or traumatic brain injury can rapidly improve following a single dose of a drug that targets brain inflammation, even years after the stroke or traumatic event.

Team uses antisense technology that exploits gene splicing mechanism to kill cancer cells Posted: 31 Oct 2012 09:50 AM PDT The voracious growth of all cancers is powered by an alteration in cellular energy consumption. One characteristic of this is the production of a different version of the pyruvate kinase M gene, PK-M2, over the normal version, PK-M1. A research team now shows they can specifically kill cancer cells using antisense oligonucleotides to modulate the splicing mechanism and stop production of PK-M2. The method shows promise as a possible universal cancer therapeutic strategy.

Scientists unravel resistance to breast cancer treatment Posted: 31 Oct 2012 09:50 AM PDT Scientists have identified a molecular 'flag' in women with breast cancer who do not respond or have become resistant to the hormone drug tamoxifen.

First-ever 3-D stress map of developing embryonic heart sheds light on why defects form Posted: 31 Oct 2012 09:49 AM PDT As a human fetus develops, its heart has to keep pace with the new body's ever-growing demands. For the first time, researchers have been able to visualize in 3-D the stresses induced by flowing blood in an embryonic heart. The technique promises to provide new insight into how and why heart defects develop.

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