ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Golden age of prostate cancer treatment hailed as fourth drug in two years extends life
• Gut bacteria linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome identified
• Exploring the two-way linkages between binge drinking and unemployment
• Continuous oral contraceptive pills offer women earlier pain relief
• A pack of walnuts a day keeps the fertility specialist away?
• New nanoparticles shrink tumors in mice
• Potential hurdle to universal flu vaccine development may be overcome, study suggests
• Blocking destruction of defective proteins unexpectedly delays neurodegeneration in mice
• Previously unknown cleaning system in brain: Newer imaging technique brings 'glymphatic system' to light
• Link between hormone levels and risk for metabolic disease uncovered
• New device to replace aortic valve in patients who can't have open-heart surgery
• 'CYCLOPS' genes may serve as an Achilles' heel in tumor cells
• DNA deletions promote cancer, collateral damage makes it vulnerable
• Genetic material in blood cells may affect malaria parasites
• Therapy combining exercise and neuroprotective agent shows promise for stroke victims
• Breastfeeding may protect infants from HIV transmission
• Doing the math to fight childhood obesity
• Better ways for developing, testing cancer therapies
• Potential new treatment target identified for melanoma skin cancer
• High potency and synthetic marijuana pose real dangers in first weeks of pregnancy
• Karate black belts' white matter shows how a powerful punch comes from the brain
• Pre-test genetic counseling increases cancer knowledge for BRCA patients
• Color-coded markers may help doctors diagnose neural diseases through the eyes
• Babies may not have a 'moral compass' after all
• Noise down, neuron signals up
• Vaccine targets malignant brain cancer antigens, significantly lengthens survival
• Mechanisms of acquired chemoresistance in ovarian cancer identified
• Children who spend three-quarters of their time in sedentary behavior have up to nine times poorer motor coordination than active peers
• Tripping the switches on brain growth to treat depression
• Acute stress alters control of gene activity: Researchers examine DNA methylation
• Long-term methadone treatment can affect nerve cells in brain
• New toilet developed: Needs no connection to water supply
• Mediterranean diet enriched with olive oil may protect bone
• Even minor physical activity may benefit bone health in premenopausal women
• Danger in the blood: How antibiotic-resisting bacterial infections form
• Financial incentives for health professionals 'can undermine motivation and worsen performance', experts warn
• UK recession may be to blame for over 1,000 suicides in England

Golden age of prostate cancer treatment hailed as fourth drug in two years extends life Posted: 15 Aug 2012 02:49 PM PDT Scientists have hailed a golden age in prostate cancer drug discovery as for the fourth time in two years a new drug has been found to significantly extend life. A study now shows the drug enzalutamide can significantly extend life and improve quality of life in men with advanced prostate cancer -- in findings that could further widen the treatment options for men with the disease.

Gut bacteria linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome identified Posted: 15 Aug 2012 02:49 PM PDT Researchers have identified 26 species of bacteria in the human gut microbiota that appear to be linked to obesity and related metabolic complications. These include insulin resistance, high blood sugar levels, increased blood pressure and high cholesterol, known collectively as "the metabolic syndrome," which significantly increases an individual's risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Exploring the two-way linkages between binge drinking and unemployment Posted: 15 Aug 2012 01:16 PM PDT Many studies have found that problem drinking is related to subsequent unemployment; However, the reverse association is unclear. Some studies have found that unemployment can increase total drinking, alcohol disorders, and/or problem drinking while others have found that unemployment can decrease drinking or have no effect at all. An analysis of binge drinking as either a predictor or outcome of unemployment has found that binge drinking among women seems to have a significant association with long-term unemployment.

Continuous oral contraceptive pills offer women earlier pain relief Posted: 15 Aug 2012 12:16 PM PDT Taking oral contraceptives continuously, rather than as traditionally prescribed for each cycle, provides earlier relief for moderate to severe menstrual cramps -- dysmenorrhea -- according to researchers at Penn State College of Medicine.

A pack of walnuts a day keeps the fertility specialist away? Posted: 15 Aug 2012 12:16 PM PDT After eating 75 grams of walnuts every day for 12 weeks, healthy young men aged 21 to 35 saw increased sperm vitality, motility, and morphology, researchers report.

New nanoparticles shrink tumors in mice Posted: 15 Aug 2012 11:20 AM PDT Researchers have developed RNA-delivering nanoparticles that allow for rapid screening of new drug targets in mice. In a study of mice with ovarian tumors, the researchers found that treatment with the RNAi nanoparticles eliminated most of the tumors.

Potential hurdle to universal flu vaccine development may be overcome, study suggests Posted: 15 Aug 2012 11:20 AM PDT In the quest for a universal influenza vaccine -- one that elicits broadly neutralizing antibodies that can protect against most or all strains of flu virus -- scientists have faced a sobering question: Does pre-existing immunity generated by prior exposure to influenza virus or vaccine hamper production of broadly neutralizing antibodies? If so, then a universal flu vaccine might work best (and perhaps only) in very young children who have had limited exposure to influenza viruses or vaccines.

Blocking destruction of defective proteins unexpectedly delays neurodegeneration in mice Posted: 15 Aug 2012 11:20 AM PDT One might expect that ridding a brain cell of damaged proteins would be a universally good thing, and that impairing the cell's ability to do this would allow the faulty proteins to accumulate within the cell, possibly to toxic levels. So a lot of scientific effort has gone into looking for ways to enhance the process by which cells dispose of banged-up proteins. But this thinking may need some revision, according to a new study.

Previously unknown cleaning system in brain: Newer imaging technique brings 'glymphatic system' to light Posted: 15 Aug 2012 11:20 AM PDT A previously unrecognized system that drains waste from the brain at a rapid clip has been discovered by neuroscientists. The highly organized system acts like a series of pipes that piggyback on the brain's blood vessels, sort of a shadow plumbing system that seems to serve much the same function in the brain as the lymph system does in the rest of the body -- to drain away waste products.

Link between hormone levels and risk for metabolic disease uncovered Posted: 15 Aug 2012 11:19 AM PDT A team of researchers has shown for the first time a link between low levels of a specific hormone and increased risk of metabolic disease in humans.

New device to replace aortic valve in patients who can't have open-heart surgery Posted: 15 Aug 2012 11:19 AM PDT UCLA has performed its first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), using a new device approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to replace an aortic valve in a patient who was not a candidate for open-heart surgery.

'CYCLOPS' genes may serve as an Achilles' heel in tumor cells Posted: 15 Aug 2012 10:11 AM PDT Researchers have identified a new class of genes, dubbed CYCLOPS, that may serve as an Achilles' heel for many forms of cancer.

DNA deletions promote cancer, collateral damage makes it vulnerable Posted: 15 Aug 2012 10:11 AM PDT Genomic deletions promote cancer by carving up or eliminating tumor-suppressor genes, but now scientists report that the collateral damage they inflict on neighboring genes exposes cancer cells to vulnerabilities and new avenues for attack.

Genetic material in blood cells may affect malaria parasites Posted: 15 Aug 2012 09:13 AM PDT Researchers may finally have discovered why people with sickle cell disease get milder cases of malaria than individuals who have normal red blood cells. In a finding that has eluded scientists for years, the researchers discovered that genetic material in red blood cells may help alter parasite activity via a novel mechanism that alters parasite gene regulation.

Therapy combining exercise and neuroprotective agent shows promise for stroke victims Posted: 15 Aug 2012 09:12 AM PDT In a new study, scientists report that a therapy combining exercise with the neurovascular protective agent S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) improved recovery from stroke in a rat model. GSNO is a compound found naturally in the body and it has no known side effects or toxicity.

Breastfeeding may protect infants from HIV transmission Posted: 15 Aug 2012 09:11 AM PDT An international team of researchers has found that certain bioactive components found in human milk are associated with a reduced risk of HIV transmission from an HIV infected mother to her breast-fed infant.

Doing the math to fight childhood obesity Posted: 15 Aug 2012 07:30 AM PDT Dieters often use online calorie calculators to stay true to their weight-loss plan. Translating the concept to the population health arena, researchers have created the Caloric Calculator to help policymakers, school district administrators, and others assess the potential impact of health policy choices on childhood obesity.

Better ways for developing, testing cancer therapies Posted: 15 Aug 2012 07:30 AM PDT Scientists have made valuable findings in the search for cancer's cure. While researching ways to improve animal health, the scientists have made two important discoveries that can also improve human health. Not only have they found pigs with severe combined immunodeficiency but they are also the first to discover the connection with human cancer, particularly melanomas and pancreatic cancers.

Potential new treatment target identified for melanoma skin cancer Posted: 15 Aug 2012 07:30 AM PDT New research has identified a potential new target for the treatment of melanoma, the deadliest of all skin cancers. Scientists have discovered a new channel-forming protein called Pannexin (Panx1) that is expressed in normal levels on the surface of healthy skin cells. But they found, in melanoma, Panx1 is over-produced to a pathological level. The researchers also discovered that if you reduce it, the cell becomes more normal.

High potency and synthetic marijuana pose real dangers in first weeks of pregnancy Posted: 15 Aug 2012 07:30 AM PDT Experts say the argument that marijuana is a harmless drug is no longer valid due to the emergence of "high potency" marijuana and synthetic marijuana which pose a potential real threat for pregnant women and their unborn children.

Karate black belts' white matter shows how a powerful punch comes from the brain Posted: 15 Aug 2012 07:28 AM PDT Brain scans have revealed distinctive features in the brain structure of karate experts, which could be linked to their ability to punch powerfully from close range. Researchers found that differences in the structure of white matter -- the connections between brain regions -- were correlated with how black belts and novices performed in a test of punching ability.

Pre-test genetic counseling increases cancer knowledge for BRCA patients Posted: 15 Aug 2012 07:28 AM PDT Researchers have found that when breast cancer patients are offered pre-test genetic counseling before definitive breast cancer surgery, patients exhibited decreases in distress. Those offered pre-test genetic counseling after surgery improved their informed decision-making. Patients in both groups showed increases in their cancer knowledge with pre-test genetic counseling.

Color-coded markers may help doctors diagnose neural diseases through the eyes Posted: 15 Aug 2012 06:33 AM PDT Scientists have devised several new fluorescent probes that change color depending on what type of amyloid they encounter. Because amyloids accumulate in the eye as well as the brain, their discovery offers hope that one day neurodegenerative diseases could be differentially diagnosed with simple eye drops or ointment and an eye exam.

Babies may not have a 'moral compass' after all Posted: 15 Aug 2012 06:32 AM PDT New research is casting doubt on a landmark US study that suggested infants as young as six months old possess an innate moral compass that allows them to evaluate individuals as "good" or "bad."

Noise down, neuron signals up Posted: 15 Aug 2012 06:31 AM PDT A new model of background noise present in the nervous system could help better understand neuronal signalling delay in response to a stimulus.

Vaccine targets malignant brain cancer antigens, significantly lengthens survival Posted: 15 Aug 2012 06:31 AM PDT An experimental immune-based therapy more than doubled median survival of patients diagnosed with the most aggressive malignant brain tumor, researchers report.

Mechanisms of acquired chemoresistance in ovarian cancer identified Posted: 15 Aug 2012 05:32 AM PDT Disease has high heterogeneity. First-line chemosensitivity associated with subsequent chemoresistance. Gene identified that may predict chemoresistance.

Children who spend three-quarters of their time in sedentary behavior have up to nine times poorer motor coordination than active peers Posted: 15 Aug 2012 05:27 AM PDT Children who spend more than three-quarters of their time engaging in sedentary behavior, such as watching TV and sitting at computers, have up to nine times poorer motor coordination than their more active peers, reveals a new study.

Tripping the switches on brain growth to treat depression Posted: 15 Aug 2012 05:27 AM PDT Depression takes a substantial toll on brain health. Brain imaging and post-mortem studies provide evidence that the wealth of connections in the brain are reduced in individuals with depression, with the result of impaired functional connections between key brain centers involved in mood regulation. Researchers now report that a relatively novel growth factor named fibroblast growth factor-2, or FGF2, can increase the number of glial cells and block the decrease caused by chronic stress exposure by promoting the generation of new glial cells.

Acute stress alters control of gene activity: Researchers examine DNA methylation Posted: 15 Aug 2012 05:27 AM PDT Acute stress alters the methylation of the DNA and thus the activity of certain genes.

Long-term methadone treatment can affect nerve cells in brain Posted: 15 Aug 2012 05:27 AM PDT Long-term methadone treatment can cause changes in the brain, according to recent studies. The results show that treatment may affect the nerve cells in the brain. The studies follow on from previous studies where methadone was seen to affect cognitive functioning, such as learning and memory.

New toilet developed: Needs no connection to water supply Posted: 15 Aug 2012 05:27 AM PDT There are 2.6 billion people in the world who have no access to a decent toilet. A new toilet model will provide a sanitary solution that ensures human dignity and hygiene, while also being environment-friendly and economically feasible. All for less than five cents per day and person.

Mediterranean diet enriched with olive oil may protect bone Posted: 15 Aug 2012 05:26 AM PDT Consumption of a Mediterranean diet enriched with olive oil for two years is associated with increased serum osteocalcin concentrations, suggesting a protective effect on bone.

Even minor physical activity may benefit bone health in premenopausal women Posted: 15 Aug 2012 05:26 AM PDT A study to be published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (JCEM) suggests that physical activity for premenopausal women is very effective in reducing sclerostin—a known inhibitor of bone formation. In addition, physical training enhances IGF-1levels, which have a very positive effect on bone formation.

Danger in the blood: How antibiotic-resisting bacterial infections form Posted: 15 Aug 2012 05:26 AM PDT New research may help explain why hundreds of thousands of Americans a year get sick – and tens of thousands die – after bacteria get into their blood. It also suggests why some of those bloodstream infections resist treatment with even the most powerful antibiotics.

Financial incentives for health professionals 'can undermine motivation and worsen performance', experts warn Posted: 14 Aug 2012 06:34 PM PDT Financial incentives (pay for performance) schemes for health professionals "can undermine motivation and worsen performance" warn US experts in a new editorial. They also say that gaming of the system is rife.

UK recession may be to blame for over 1,000 suicides in England Posted: 14 Aug 2012 06:34 PM PDT A new paper suggests that over 1,000 people have committed suicide due to the 2008-2010 economic recession in the UK (846 men and 155 women).

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