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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

ScienceDaily: Top Health News

ScienceDaily: Top Health News


First corneal transplant with pre-loaded donor tissue

Posted: 07 May 2013 04:58 PM PDT

The first successful cornea transplant with donor endothelial tissue preloaded by an eye bank has been performed.

Women with unintended pregnancy are more likely to suffer from postpartum depression

Posted: 07 May 2013 04:58 PM PDT

Women with unintended pregnancy are four times more likely to suffer from postpartum depression at twelve months postpartum, suggests a new study.

Sunshine could benefit health and prolong life, study suggests

Posted: 07 May 2013 04:58 PM PDT

Exposing skin to sunlight may help to reduce blood pressure, cut the risk of heart attack and stroke -- and even prolong life, a study suggests.

Theta brainwaves reflect ability to beat built-in bias

Posted: 07 May 2013 04:56 PM PDT

Many animals, including humans, harbor ingrained biases to actively obtain rewards and to remain inactive to avoid punishment. Sometimes, however those biases can steer us wrong. A new study finds that theta brainwave activity in the prefrontal cortex predicts how well people can overcome these biases when they are unwanted.

Link between intimate partner violence and depression

Posted: 07 May 2013 04:56 PM PDT

Not only are women who have experienced violence from their partner (intimate partner violence) at higher risk of becoming depressed, but women who are depressed may also be at increased risk of experiencing intimate partner violence, according to a new study.

Genes show one big European family

Posted: 07 May 2013 04:56 PM PDT

From Ireland to the Balkans, Europeans are basically one big family, closely related to one another for the past thousand years, according to a new study of the DNA of people from across the continent.

Turning Alzheimer's fuzzy signals into high definition

Posted: 07 May 2013 04:54 PM PDT

Scientists have discovered that cholinesterase inhibitors allow signals to enter the brain with less background noise. And the drugs work in the sensory cortices, not the more sophisticated processing regions.

Diet linked to daytime sleepiness and alertness in healthy adults

Posted: 07 May 2013 01:46 PM PDT

A new study suggests that your level of sleepiness or alertness during the day may be related to the type of food that you eat.

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases risk of lacerations during childbirth

Posted: 07 May 2013 01:42 PM PDT

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of lacerations during vaginal childbirth, according to a new study. Among more than 1,000 women who participated in the study, 126 experienced a significant increase in their body mass index (BMI), both +1 and +2 category changes, according to the criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Of those women, 85.5 percent experienced lacerations compared to 69 percent with no change in BMI category.

Potential therapeutic target for Cushing's disease

Posted: 07 May 2013 01:42 PM PDT

Scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have identified a protein that drives the formation of pituitary tumors in Cushing's disease, a development that may give clinicians a therapeutic target to treat this potentially life-threatening disorder.

Genetic variations associated with susceptibility to bacteria linked to stomach disorders

Posted: 07 May 2013 01:42 PM PDT

Two genome-wide association studies and a subsequent meta-analysis have found that certain genetic variations are associated with susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that is a major cause of gastritis and stomach ulcers and is linked to stomach cancer, findings that may help explain some of the observed variation in individual risk for H pylori infection.

Discovery holds potential in destroying drug-resistant bacteria

Posted: 07 May 2013 12:50 PM PDT

Through the serendipity of science, researchers have discovered a potential treatment for deadly, drug-resistant bacterial infections that uses the same approach that HIV uses to infect cells. New research is especially promising in the development of a potential treatment for lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis.

New delivery for cancer drugs

Posted: 07 May 2013 12:49 PM PDT

Nanopharmaceuticals are beginning to demonstrate their capacity to place the drugs directly in the tumor, where they will do the most good, rather than let them roam freely in the body.

How breast cancer cells acquire drug resistance

Posted: 07 May 2013 12:49 PM PDT

A seven-year quest to understand how breast cancer cells resist treatment with the targeted therapy lapatinib has revealed a previously unknown molecular network that regulates cell death. The discovery provides new avenues to overcome drug resistance, according to new research.

MicroRNA cooperation mutes breast cancer oncogenes

Posted: 07 May 2013 10:46 AM PDT

A new study shows that turning up a few microRNAs a little may offer as much anti-breast-cancer activity as turning up one microRNA a lot – and without the unwanted side effects.

Women sell themselves short on team projects, study suggests

Posted: 07 May 2013 10:46 AM PDT

Working on a team is always a challenge, but a new study highlights a particular challenge to women: how much they credit themselves in a joint success. Women will devalue their contributions when working with men but not with other women, according to the new research. The study suggests yet another reason why women still tend to be under-represented at the highest echelons of many organizations.

Older adults' memory lapses linked to problems processing everyday events

Posted: 07 May 2013 10:46 AM PDT

Some memory problems common to older adults may stem from an inability to segment daily life into discrete experiences, according to a new study.

Restless legs syndrome, insomnia and brain chemistry: A tangled mystery solved?

Posted: 07 May 2013 10:46 AM PDT

Researchers believe they may have discovered an explanation for the sleepless nights associated with restless legs syndrome, a symptom that persists even when the disruptive, overwhelming nocturnal urge to move the legs is treated successfully with medication.

Discovery of new hormone opens doors to new type 2 diabetes treatments

Posted: 07 May 2013 10:45 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered that a particular type of protein (hormone) found in fat cells helps regulate how glucose (blood sugar) is controlled and metabolized in the liver. Using experimental models and state-of-the-art technology, the scientists found that switching off this protein leads to better control of glucose production from the liver, revealing a potential new target that may be used to treat type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.

Protecting the heart health of diabetic patients

Posted: 07 May 2013 10:45 AM PDT

Diabetics have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease and plaque build-up in their arteries, even if they receive cholesterol-lowering therapies. New research reveals that high blood sugar levels also boost the production of inflammatory cells, which contribute to plaque in blood vessels.

New insights into Ebola infection pave the way for much-needed therapies

Posted: 07 May 2013 10:45 AM PDT

The Ebola virus is among the deadliest viruses on the planet, killing up to 90 percent of those infected. A new study reveals how the most abundant protein making up the Ebola virus -- viral protein 40 -- allows the virus to leave host cells and spread infection to other cells throughout the human body. The findings could lay the foundation for the development of new drugs and strategies for fighting Ebola infection.

Children's 'healthy' foods marketed at children are higher in fat, sugar and salt

Posted: 07 May 2013 10:44 AM PDT

Foods being marketed to children in UK supermarkets are less healthy than those marketed to the general population according to researchers who question whether more guidelines may be needed in regulating food marketed to children.

Nerve stimulation for severe depression changes brain function

Posted: 07 May 2013 10:44 AM PDT

For nearly a decade, doctors have used implanted electronic stimulators to treat severe depression in people who don't respond to standard antidepressant treatments. Now, preliminary brain scan studies are revealing that vagus nerve stimulation brings about changes in brain metabolism weeks or even months before patients begin to feel better.

All hospitals should require drug, alcohol tests for physicians, experts say

Posted: 07 May 2013 09:48 AM PDT

To improve patient safety, hospitals should randomly test physicians for drug and alcohol use in much the same way other major industries in the United States do to protect their customers.

Silk and cellulose biologically effective for use in stem cell cartilage repair

Posted: 07 May 2013 09:48 AM PDT

Over 20 million people in Europe suffer from osteoarthritis which can lead to extensive damage to the knee and hip cartilage. Stem cells offer a promising way forward but a key challenge has been to design a 'smart material' that is biologically effective for cartilage tissue regeneration. Now researchers have identified a blend of naturally occurring fibers such as cellulose and silk that makes progress towards affordable and effective cell-based therapy for cartilage repair a step closer.

Using anticholinergics for as few as 60 days causes memory problems in older adults

Posted: 07 May 2013 09:48 AM PDT

Research on medications commonly taken by older adults has found that drugs with strong anticholinergic effects cause cognitive impairment when taken continuously for as few as 60 days. A similar impact can be seen with 90 days of continuous use when taking multiple drugs with weak anticholinergic effect.

Once-a-day pill offers relief from ragweed allergy symptoms

Posted: 07 May 2013 08:55 AM PDT

A once-daily tablet containing a high dose of a key ragweed pollen protein effectively blocks the runny noses, sneezes, nasal congestion and itchy eyes experienced by ragweed allergy sufferers.

New research technique can help nanoparticles deliver drug treatments

Posted: 07 May 2013 08:55 AM PDT

A researcher has successfully tested a technique that can lead to more effective use of nanoparticles as a drug delivery system.

Stem cell researchers move toward treatments for rare genetic nerve disease

Posted: 07 May 2013 08:55 AM PDT

Researchers have used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) to advance disease-in-a-dish modeling of a rare genetic disorder, Ataxia Telangiectasia. Their discovery shows positive effects of drugs that may lead to effective new treatments for the neurodegenerative disease. iPSC are made from patient skin cells rather than from embryos and can become any type of cells in the laboratory.

Parents who suck on their infants' pacifiers may protect their children against developing allergy

Posted: 07 May 2013 07:31 AM PDT

Allergies are very common in industrialized countries. It has been suggested that exposure to harmless bacteria during infancy may be protective against the development of allergy. However, it has been difficult to pinpoint which bacteria a baby should be exposed to, and at what time and by which route this exposure should ideally occur.

Experimental drug beneficial in trial to treat a rare sarcoma

Posted: 07 May 2013 07:30 AM PDT

Patients with advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS), a rare cancer, achieved some control of their disease using an experimental anti-cancer drug called cediranib.

Optimal workout partner encourages less to motivate more

Posted: 07 May 2013 07:30 AM PDT

The best workout partner may be one who understands that silence is golden, according to a new study.

New perspective needed for role of major Alzheimer's gene

Posted: 07 May 2013 06:58 AM PDT

Scientists' picture of how a gene strongly linked to Alzheimer's disease harms the brain may have to be revised, researchers have found.

New class of drug targets skin cancer

Posted: 07 May 2013 06:58 AM PDT

A new class of drug targeting skin cancer's genetic material has been successfully tested in humans for the first time, opening the way to new treatments for a range of conditions from skin cancers to eye diseases.

Biomechanical performances of old-fashioned leather and modern football helmets compared

Posted: 07 May 2013 04:57 AM PDT

Researchers have compared the relative safety afforded by two 1930-vintage leather football helmets and 10 modern football helmets during impacts to players' heads. These researchers found that all 10 modern helmets provided significantly more protection than leather helmets used in the first half of the twentieth century, and demonstrated that differences also exist between modern helmets.

Pathogen turns protein into a virulence factor in one easy step

Posted: 07 May 2013 03:11 AM PDT

To infect its host, the respiratory pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa takes an ordinary protein usually involved in making other proteins and adds three small molecules to turn it into a key for gaining access to human cells. Researchers have now uncovered this previously unknown virulence factor in P. aeruginosa, one of the most common causes of hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Sleep problems may increase risk for prostate cancer

Posted: 07 May 2013 03:11 AM PDT

Problems falling asleep and staying asleep increased the risk for prostate cancer. The association was stronger for advanced disease. Larger studies with longer follow-up are necessary for confirmation.

Anti-depressant link to Clostridium difficile infection

Posted: 07 May 2013 03:10 AM PDT

Certain types of anti-depressants have been linked to an increase in the risk of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) finds a new study. Awareness of this link should improve identification and early treatment of CDI.

Laminopathies: Key components in the disease mechanism identified

Posted: 07 May 2013 03:08 AM PDT

Laminopathies are hereditary diseases that affect mainly the muscle tissue. These diseases include for example Emery-Dreifuss Muscular dystrophy, dilated cardiomyopathy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy and Hutchison-Gilford progeria syndrome.

Breast milk ingredient could prevent deadly intestinal problem in preemies

Posted: 06 May 2013 03:16 PM PDT

An ingredient that naturally occurs in breast milk might be used to prevent premature babies from developing a deadly intestinal condition that currently is largely incurable, according to researchers.

Saving money on medical costs: Slowdown in health care spending growth could save Americans $770 billion

Posted: 06 May 2013 03:16 PM PDT

A slowdown in the growth of US health care costs could mean that Americans could save as much as $770 billion on Medicare spending over the next decade, economists say. The slowdown, researchers say, is the result of a decline in the development of new drugs and technologies and increased efficiency in the health care system. If those trends continue, government estimates of health care spending could be off by hundreds of billions.

Personalized bone substitutes created from skin cells

Posted: 06 May 2013 03:14 PM PDT

Scientists have made patient-specific bone substitutes from skin cells for repair of large bone defects. The study represents a major advance in personalized reconstructive treatments for patients with bone defects resulting from disease or trauma.

Effects of stress on brain cells offer clues to new anti-depressant drugs

Posted: 06 May 2013 03:14 PM PDT

New research reveals the detailed mechanism behind how stress hormones reduce the number of new brain cells -- a process considered to be linked to depression. The researchers identified a key protein responsible for the long-term detrimental effect of stress on cells, and importantly, successfully used a drug compound to block this effect, offering a potential new avenue for drug discovery.

Competing antibodies may have limited the protection achieved in HIV vaccine trial in Thailand

Posted: 06 May 2013 03:13 PM PDT

Continuing analysis of an HIV vaccine trial undertaken in Thailand is yielding additional information about how immune responses were triggered and why the vaccine did not protect more people.

Cognitive impairment in families with exceptional longevity studied

Posted: 06 May 2013 03:13 PM PDT

Researchers examines the relationship between families with exceptional longevity and cognitive impairment consistent with Alzheimer disease.

Solid-state controllable light filter may protect preterm infants from disturbing light

Posted: 06 May 2013 01:12 PM PDT

Researchers describe a proof-of-concept mirror that switches between reflective and red-transparent states when a small voltage is applied.

Local laws key to reducing dangers of lead poisoning

Posted: 06 May 2013 10:24 AM PDT

A new study catalogs community-based efforts to develop strategies and policies that -- by targeting high risk housing -- may hold the key to reducing lead hazards in children's homes.

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